Undergraduate enrollment this fall has increased for the first time since the pandemic, 2.1% above fall 2022 and 1.2% above 2021, according to preliminary data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Undergraduate students across every income quintile enrolled at positive rates, perpetuating enrollment increases across every sector of higher education and credential type.
Positive undergraduate enrollment rates at community colleges accounted for 59% of the fall cohort’s total increase. Community college has gained such a significant number of students for two reasons. First, it is the primary provider of non-degree undergraduate certificates, the credential that by far experienced the highest increase in enrollment at 9.9%, second only to graduate certificates (5.7%). Secondly, dual enrollment among K12 students accounts for 40% of the increase in community college enrollment in the last two years, said Douglas Shapiro, Executive Director of The Clearinghouse.
“The pattern of increasing enrollment in certificates is probably suggesting some realignments in the perceptions of value of four-year degrees among traditional-aged students, but also just a preference for workforce aligned credentials that students can see more immediate value or return on investment on,” Shapiro said in a media briefing. “[They] are less expensive, shorter time commitments and perhaps more direct connections to employment.”
HBCU leading the way
However, over the past few years, HBCU enrollment has followed a different narrative. Their freshman enrollment grew 9.2% this fall, raising their total undergraduate enrollment by 6.1%, according to The Clearinghouse.
Unfortunately, we can't be more FAMU specific, because the Office of Institutional Research hasn't updated its website since Spring 2023, despite the fact that drop and add closed in early September.