More students are choosing community college this fall, even as overall college enrollment in the United States stays mostly flat. That’s according to new preliminary data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, released on October 29, 2026.
Community Colleges Lead the Growth
Undergraduate enrollment at community colleges rose 1.2% this fall compared with last year. Community colleges continue to be one of the main sources of growth in higher education, as more students look for lower-cost options and quicker paths to jobs.
Overall Enrollment Holds Steady
Across all colleges and universities, total enrollment stayed about the same as last fall.
Undergraduate enrollment grew by 0.6% in fall 2026. That’s much slower than last year, when undergraduate enrollment jumped 2.4%.
Master’s Programs See a Drop
Not every area grew. Enrollment in master’s degree programs fell 3.7% this fall, one of the biggest declines in the report.
These Are Early Numbers
This report is an early look at the fall semester. It’s based on about 7.92 million student enrollments reported by 46% of US colleges and universities as of September 24, 2026.
The final fall 2026 enrollment report is expected in January 2027. The final numbers could be different once more colleges report their data.
What This Means for Students
The steady rise in community college enrollment shows that many students see two-year colleges as a smart and affordable way to start their education. Students thinking about community college can check with their local campus about admission dates for the spring semester.
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