Johanna Alonso
September 11, 2026
Several colleges cited partnerships with K–12 schools and new, dedicated analyses of enrollment data as key elements of their enrollment booms.
It’s a weird time for higher education. Enrollment is increasing over all, with many flagship universities, highly selective colleges and community colleges appearing to have no difficulty filling seats.
Yet other institutions are struggling to meet their enrollment goals, especially as international student numbers continue to dip, potential students opt to enter the workforce or seek credentials outside higher ed, and the number of high school graduates begins to decrease each year.
Still, a slate of institutions reached new enrollment records this year, in some cases capitalizing on momentum while others reversed years of declines or stagnation.