Colleges and universities across the U.S. saw major enrollment declines among first-year, 18-year-old freshmen in fall 2024, according to recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Overall freshman enrollment declined by 5%, while the biggest drop among school types—more than 6%—was at public and private nonprofit four-year institutions. Private colleges that serve a high number of Pell Grant recipients—students who demonstrate greater financial need—saw an average decline of more than 10%, per Clearinghouse data.
“Unfortunately, given what we know about the connection between FAFSA completion and enrollment, it’s not surprising,” says Bill DeBaun, senior director of data and strategic initiatives at the National College Attainment Network.
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