Undergraduate Enrollment Trends

Undergraduate enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions grew by 27% between 2000 and 2017, rising from 13.2 million to 16.8 million students. Projections indicate that enrollment will reach 17.2 million by 2028. Between 2000 and 2010, enrollment increased by 37% (13.2 million to 18.1 million students) but declined by 7% from 2010 to 2017 (18.1 million to 16.8 million). The anticipated growth between 2017 and 2028 represents a modest 3% increase.

Gender Breakdown

In the fall of 2017, women comprised 56% of the undergraduate population (9.4 million), while men accounted for 44% (7.3 million). Both groups followed similar trends: enrollment for females and males grew by 39% and 36% between 2000 and 2010 but fell by 8% and 6% between 2010 and 2017. Projections show a 3% rise for both genders by 2028, bringing female enrollment to 9.7 million and male enrollment to 7.5 million.

Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

Of the 16.8 million undergraduates in 2017, 8.9 million were White, 3.3 million Hispanic, 2.2 million Black, 1.1 million Asian/Pacific Islander, and 124,000 American Indian/Alaska Native. Hispanic enrollment surged 142% from 2000 to 2017 (1.4 million to 3.3 million), while White enrollment decreased by 19% (10.9 million to 8.9 million) and Black enrollment by 19% (2.7 million to 2.2 million) between 2010 and 2017. American Indian/Alaska Native enrollment fell 31% during this period, while Asian/Pacific Islander enrollment remained stable. Nonresident alien enrollment doubled from 288,000 in 2000 to 575,000 in 2017.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Attendance

In fall of 2017, 10.4 million students were enrolled full-time and 6.4 million part-time. Full-time enrollment grew by 45% between 2000 and 2010 (7.9 million to 11.5 million students) but declined by 9% from 2010 to 2017 (11.5 million to 10.4 million). Part-time enrollment increased by 27% between 2000 and 2010 (5.2 million to 6.6 million students) but dropped by 4% from 2010 to 2017 (6.6 million to 6.4 million). Projections for 2028 indicate a 2% rise in full-time enrollment (10.5 million) and a 5% rise in part-time enrollment (6.7 million).

Institutional Control Trends

Between 2000 and 2017, enrollment at private for-profit institutions grew by 109%, compared to 27% at private nonprofit institutions and 24% at public institutions. Enrollment at private for-profit institutions saw a dramatic growth of 329% between 2000 and 2010 (403,000 to 1.7 million students) but fell by 51% from 2010 to 2017 (1.7 million to 842,000 students). Public institutions experienced a 4% decline (13.7 million to 13.1 million students) between 2010 and 2017, while private nonprofit institutions grew by 6% (2.7 million to 2.8 million).

Enrollment by Institution Type

In 2017, 4-year institutions accounted for 65% of undergraduate enrollment (10.8 million students), while 2-year institutions represented 35% (5.9 million). From 2000 to 2010, enrollment grew by 44% at 4-year institutions (7.2 million to 10.4 million students) and 29% at 2-year institutions (5.9 million to 7.7 million students). However, from 2010 to 2017, enrollment at 4-year institutions rose slightly by 4% (10.4 million to 10.8 million), while 2-year institution enrollment dropped 23% (7.7 million to 5.9 million). Some of this decline is attributed to 2-year institutions reclassifying as 4-year institutions. By 2028, enrollment at 4-year institutions is projected to grow by 2% (11.1 million), while 2-year institutions may see a 3% increase (6.1 million).

Distance Education

Distance education played a significant role in 2017, with 5.5 million undergraduates (33%) enrolled in at least one online course and 2.2 million students (13%) exclusively taking online courses. Of those exclusively enrolled online, 1.4 million attended institutions in their home state, while 717,000 attended out-of-state institutions. Students at private for-profit institutions were the most likely to enroll exclusively in online courses (52%), compared to 16% at private nonprofit institutions and 10% at public institutions.

Conclusion

Undergraduate enrollment has experienced shifts across demographics, attendance types, and institutional categories. While growth has slowed since 2010, moderate increases are expected through 2028, reflecting evolving educational preferences and accessibility options like online learning.