College enrollment declines by 1.1%

Fewer students are enrolling in colleges and universities for the third consecutive school year since the pandemic, according to preliminary data from the National Student Clearinghouse. 

There has been a 1.1% dip in enrollment from fall 2021 to fall 2022. Though the decline is at a less drastic rate than during the pandemic, people’s interest in higher education has been decreasing by approximately 1% since 2012.

The enrollment numbers decreased by about 6.5% during the first two years of the pandemic. According to the report, compared to before the pandemic around 1.5 million fewer students are enrolled in colleges.

The study showed a shift in student interest, with higher enrollment numbers observed in online schools and historically black institutions. Remote education schools saw a growth of 3.2% since last year, with an overall rise of 23.4% for students aged 18-20 since fall 2020.

The study suggests student debt, alternate credentials, and the cost of online programs contribute to the decline in college enrollment.