New data released today show U.S. college enrollment rose last fall for the first time, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Total enrollment in undergraduate and graduate programs increased 4.5%, or 817,000 students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

The numbers provide welcome news for colleges worried about Biden administration A botched makeover Federal student aid application known as FAFSA, report shows many Americans question it The value of a college degree.

Data show that freshman enrollment for fall 2024 increased by 5.5%, or 130,000 students.

Doug Shapiro, the center's executive director, said in a statement that the increase in freshman enrollment "is driven by older first-year students, as the number of 18-year-olds remains lower than in 2019." number of people".

The research center also corrected an error in data released last fall that incorrectly showed a drop in freshman enrollment, Shapiro said.

Latest data brings relief to higher education experts who fear looming crisis "Demographic Cliff" It is expected to lead to a decline in enrollment in the coming years. This could cause trouble for universities in terms of lost revenue, and also cause trouble for the economy by creating a shortage of educated graduates.

“I think it’s really good news that students are seeing the value of college and enrolling,” said Tolani Burton, an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies higher education.

With enrollment declining over the past few years, many in higher education are asking the question: "Will enrollment ever recover?" Britton said. "What we're seeing is that the answer is yes in some ways."

A particular bright spot in the new data is community colleges, the largest Enrollment has declined during the pandemic. Freshman enrollment at community colleges increased 7.1% last fall, while their total enrollment increased 5.9%, or 325,000 students.

The positive trends in higher education are important because the U.S. economy is expected to create more jobs, "and some type of credential is going to be needed to adequately do those jobs," said Nicole Smith, a research professor and chief economist at the Georgetown University Center. About education and the workforce.

Smith added that it's not just a lack of qualified workers. She worries about the coming labor shortage after retirement, especially trade work. More students seeking degrees or certificates can help fill gaps in the overall labor market.

“We hope that by increasing enrollment, some people will be better prepared to take on these jobs in the future.”