University Business
Alcino Donadel
September 8, 2026
Students are increasingly opting for shorter, cheaper programs that are career-aligned, setting a new identity for American higher education since its recovery from the pandemic.
Postsecondary enrollment, which has grown for four consecutive years, climbed back to pre-pandemic levels last fall, according to a new analysis by National University.
The story behind the numbers reveals exactly where campus leaders need to focus next.
Community colleges and other two-year institutions saw the highest enrollment growth this past fall. Gains at four-year institutions were comparatively lower, while private four-year enrollment declined.
Career-aligned undergraduate certificate programs at community colleges grew by 28.3% since fall 2021 and surpassed 750,000 enrollments.