Enrollment Is Rising, and Community Colleges Are Leading the Way

Community College Enrollment Growing But Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

New data show undergraduate enrollment across higher ed rose 1.2% in fall 2025, led by a 3% bump at community colleges and 1.4% at public four-year colleges. Dual enrollment continues to surge, nearly 20% of community college headcounts, and certificate programs are up sharply. Graduate enrollment fell slightly, largely due to a nearly 6% drop in international graduate students. However, overall community college enrollment remains about 250,000 students below pre-COVID levels, and growth for older adult learners and certain credential types has slowed.

Key Takeaway: Modest enrollment growth masks sector disparities and ongoing challenges, especially in graduate and international student segments.

Distance Education Enrollment Surges Nationwide 

An analysis of recent federal data shows that distance education enrollment continues to grow across many states, with over half of students now enrolled in at least one online or hybrid course. Mississippi, South Dakota, and North Dakota led growth, while New York and Delaware saw notable declines. The expansion highlights persistent demand for flexible learning options, even as overall post-pandemic shocks ease. The results underline the importance of digital infrastructure and strategic planning to support quality and equity in online programs.

Quick Insight: Continued growth in distance education enrollment demands sustained investment in digital teaching capacity and student support.

Supreme Court Considers State Restrictions on Transgender Student Athletes

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case involving state-level restrictions on transgender students’ participation in school athletics, a high-profile clash over gender identity policy and equal protection. The outcome could reshape how colleges and K-12 schools craft inclusive athletics policies amid conflicting state laws and federal civil rights protections. Advocates on both sides argue about fairness, safety, and discrimination, with legal questions centering on constitutional boundaries and Title IX interpretation. Higher education leaders are closely watching for precedents that could affect campus nondiscrimination policies and student life.

Key Insight: A major Supreme Court case on transgender athlete restrictions may set pivotal legal standards for campus inclusion and nondiscrimination policy.

UNC Chapel Hill App Redesign Boosts Student Engagement

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill redesigned its campus mobile app, Hello Heels, using extensive student feedback, resulting in sharp increases in engagement and weekly usage. The app now includes real-time updates, wellness features, career services access, and campus logistics that students regularly use, transforming it into a central communication hub. The redesign reduced costs associated with traditional communications and created more dynamic outreach opportunities. Other institutions may view this as a model for improving student engagement through mobile-first design.

Takeaway: A student-centered mobile app redesign can significantly enhance engagement and streamline campus communications.

Published: January 17, 2026