Short-Term Credentials Bolster Enrollment Boom

"College enrollment continued to grow this fall, increasing by 2 percent compared to fall 2024, according to preliminary fall data released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The biggest gains came from students studying for short-term credentials, whose ranks increased 6.6 percent, while the number of students enrolled in associate and bachelor's degree programs rose 3.1 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively."

"Enrollment also grew faster at community colleges, which experienced a 4 percent increase, than at public (1.9 percent) and private (0.9 percent) four-year institutions. Total graduate enrollment was stagnant, however, and the number of master's students actually decreased by 0.6 percent. Year-over-year enrollment growth across the board was more modest this year than last, when overall enrollment increased by 3.1 percent and short-term credentials were up 7.6 percent."

"A major that has long been one of the most popular in the U.S.-computer science-saw massive declines at both the undergraduate and graduate level. It's the latest iteration of the NSCRC's preliminary fall metrics report, which the organization started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes data from about half of all institutions that submit their numbers to the Clearinghouse. More comprehensive enrollment information will be released in subsequent reports in January and May, after the rest of the institutions provide their data."

College enrollment increased 2 percent in fall 2025 compared with fall 2024, driven mainly by a 6.6 percent rise in students pursuing short-term credentials. Associate and bachelor's enrollments climbed 3.1 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. Community colleges grew faster (+4 percent) than public four-year (+1.9 percent) and private four-year (+0.9 percent) institutions. Total graduate enrollment was stagnant and master's enrollment fell 0.6 percent. Year-over-year gains were smaller than last year's 3.1 percent overall increase. Computer science experienced steep declines at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Data are preliminary from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center and cover about half of reporting institutions.

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