Overview

• Freshman enrollment at four-year colleges decreased by 5% this fall, reversing last year's increase.
• The largest declines were observed at institutions serving low-income students, with a drop of over 10% in freshman enrollment.
• Technical issues and delays with the new FAFSA application have been cited as a major factor affecting financial aid accessibility.
• Despite the freshman decline, overall undergraduate enrollment rose by 3%, driven by continuing students and dual-enrolled high schoolers.
• Enrollment in short-term certification programs increased by 7.3%, reflecting a shift in educational preferences.