For the first time since the pandemic, college enrollment in the U.S. has risen, with a total increase of 4.5% or 817,000 students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Notably, freshman enrollment saw a 5.5% rise, primarily driven by older first-year students. This marks a welcome turnaround amidst concerns regarding the FAFSA changes and the perceived value of a college degree. Community colleges experienced a positive rebound as well, particularly among freshmen, after suffering significant enrollment declines during the pandemic. Higher education experts express optimism for the future amidst fears of a demographic cliff.
The fact that students are both seeing the value in college and enrolling, I think, is really great news.
In the past few years of enrollment drops, many in higher education were asking the question, 'Will it ever recover?' And what we've seen is the answer to that in some ways is yes.
Among the incoming freshman class in the fall of 2024, enrollment increased 5.5 percent, driven by older first-year students.
The latest figures are a relief to higher education experts worried about a looming 'demographic cliff' expected to bring enrollment declines in coming years.
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