The Enrollment Cliff Report 2025

A State-by-State Analysis of U.S. Higher Education Trends

Higher education is facing an unprecedented enrollment crisis driven by declining demographics, economic shifts, and evolving student needs.

The Shrinking Campus provided admissions leaders with a detailed state-by-state analysis and actionable insights to effectively respond, adapt, and thrive.

Now that the proverbial cliff is here, we are looking for participants to help us keep our insights up-to-date.

If you are interested in participating, please share your email to receive our survey. Participation only takes a small amount of your time.

We will also send a free copy of The Shrinking Campus book to show our appreciation and compensate for your time.

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GET THE DATA

The Higher Education Landscape Transformed

From 2010 to 2024, U.S. higher education experienced unprecedented changes. National enrollment declined from 21 million to 18.6 million students, while individual states implemented innovative policies to counter demographic challenges and economic pressures. This comprehensive report analyzes trends across all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

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HOW CAN WE HELP?

Unlock Data-Driven Strategies to Reverse Enrollment Declines

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Detailed State-by-State Enrollment Data

Gain a clear, data-rich overview of enrollment changes from 2010–2024 across all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories, including community colleges, public universities, private institutions, and for-profit colleges.

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Tuition-Free and Financial Aid Policies

Explore how pioneering programs—like Tennessee Promise, Michigan Reconnect, and New Mexico’s Opportunity Scholarship—have successfully reversed enrollment declines and what lessons your institution can apply.

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Successful Institutional Mergers and Expansions

Understand the dynamics behind major institutional restructurings in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and beyond, illustrating how strategic consolidation and expansion can sustain growth.

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Demographic Projections and Strategic Recommendations

Prepare for the future by examining critical enrollment forecasts and implementing proven strategies to recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse student body amid demographic shifts and economic pressures.