Annie Clinkenbeard
September 18, 2026
Despite a recent uptick following the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. community college enrollment rates have fallen sharply since 2010. From 2010 to 2023, enrollment numbers decreased by 22% overall, or 1.7 million fewer students. This trend was widespread, with 42 states reporting enrollment declines of more than 10% over the same period.
A February 2026 Economic Review by Emily Pollard, associate economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, explores the trend further. Pollard investigates whether this decline could be attributed to supply factors in education, such as funding issues leading to reduced program offerings and increased tuition, or demand factors such as prospective students’ desire to go straight into the workforce or pursue a four-year degree instead. “After looking at the data, I concluded that demand factors have been the primary driver of enrollment declines,” Pollard said. “Compared with 2010, prospective community college students have better outside options. There are more jobs available if they want to work, and the wage gains from getting a bachelor’s rather than an associate degree have grown.”