Free Top 10 U.S. States with the Highest Student Enrollment in Higher Ed (2020-2025)
The chart presents the top 10 U.S. states for higher education enrollment from 2020 to 2025, highlighting strong student populations across both public and private universities. California leads the nation, with total enrollment exceeding 2.7 million students, supported by its extensive network of public institutions like the University of California and California State University systems. Texas follows with about 2.1 million students, showing consistent growth in public university attendance driven by regional population expansion and affordability. New York ranks third with roughly 1.9 million enrollments, maintaining a strong balance between public and private universities, including institutions like SUNY and NYU. Florida and Illinois hold mid-tier positions, each hosting around 1.6 million and 1.4 million students respectively, reflecting steady state and private sector participation. Pennsylvania and Ohio record similar totals near 1.3 million, attributed to diverse educational offerings and significant private university presence. Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina round out the top ten with enrollment figures between 1.1 and 1.2 million, showcasing continued investment in accessible higher education. Overall, the data underscores a steady nationwide commitment to higher learning, with large states reinforcing their dominance in academic infrastructure and enrollment growth through 2025.
| Labels | Enrollment (thousands) | Public Universities |
Private Universities |
| California | 2800 | 2100 | 700 |
| Texas | 1800 | 1300 | 500 |
| New York | 1500 | 1000 | 500 |
| Florida | 1400 | 1000 | 400 |
| Illinois | 1200 | 800 | 400 |
| Pennsylvania | 1100 | 700 | 400 |
| Ohio | 1000 | 700 | 300 |
| Michigan | 950 | 650 | 300 |
| Georgia | 900 | 600 | 300 |
| North Carolina | 850 | 550 | 300 |
