Free U.S. Top 10 States with the Highest Student Enrollment in Higher Education (2018–2025)
The chart illustrates the steady increase in higher education enrollment across the top ten U.S. states from 2018 to 2025, showing consistent growth patterns. California leads all states with enrollment rising from 2.7 million in 2018 to a projected 3 million by 2025, reflecting its large student population and extensive academic infrastructure. Texas follows, increasing from 2.1 million to 2.4 million, while New York grows from 1.5 million to 1.8 million. Florida records growth from 1.2 million to 1.5 million, and Illinois moves from 1.1 million to 1.4 million. Pennsylvania sees moderate growth from 1 million to 1.3 million, while Ohio expands from 0.9 million to 1.2 million. Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina show smaller but steady increases, reaching 1.1 million, 1 million, and 0.9 million respectively by 2025. These trends reflect robust educational demand and demographic shifts supporting enrollment expansion nationwide.
| Labels | 2018 Enrollment (millions) | 2020 Enrollment (millions) | 2023 Enrollment (millions) | 2025 Enrollment (millions) (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 3.0 |
| Texas | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.4 |
| New York | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
| Florida | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| Illinois | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| Pennsylvania | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 |
| Ohio | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Michigan | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| Georgia | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 |
| North Carolina | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 |
