Beyond High School is our free monthly newsletter covering higher education policy and practices in Colorado. Sign up to get it delivered to your inbox early.
In November, I reported that the Colorado Community College System continued to increase the number of students enrolled at its schools. College officials were especially pleased that more older adult students enrolled this fall.
But how do the enrollment trends in Colorado compare with the rest of the nation — not just at two-year institutions, but also at four-year universities? Data released this month by the National Student Clearinghouse provide some context.
Enrollment at Colorado’s community colleges grew by 2,500 students, or 3.9%. That’s a higher rate than the national average of 3%.
Meanwhile, enrollment at the state’s four-year public universities dropped by about 1,000 students, just a half-percent decline. Enrollment also dipped at Colorado’s four-year private universities by 8.7%, or about 2,500 students.
Nationwide, enrollment at four-year public universities rose, while enrollment at four-year private universities fell. Colorado is following the second trend but diverging from the first.
While the drop at Colorado’s four-year public institutions is statistically small, it’s worth noting that sustaining enrollment will only get more difficult for them. Due to declining birth rates, fewer high school students will graduate in the coming years, and that’s expected to create more competition among colleges to attract students.
The Clearinghouse data also shows universities are enrolling fewer international students this year after the Trump administration’s broader campaign to curtail immigration and student visas.
Higher ed stories from Chalkbeat
Gov. Jared Polis reflects on his education legacy in his final State of the State address — Polis heads into his last year in office having implemented full-day kindergarten, created a universal preschool program, restored school funding to state constitutionally mandated levels, and focused on workforce training.
2026 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues — Want to follow along with K-12 and higher education issues in the legislature? Here’s what you need to know.
As another budget shortfall looms, Colorado lawmakers aim to preserve K-12 education funding — During Chalkbeat Colorado’s Legislative Preview event, lawmakers on the Senate and House education committees fielded questions on K-12 and higher education issues.
7 Colorado education issues we’re watching in 2026 — Will the so-called student enrollment cliff affect Colorado higher education institutions this year?
What we’re reading
Colorado Department of Higher Education’s new leader starts during a time of transition The Denver Post (Paywall)
Colorado State University Chancellor Tony Frank announces retirement Fort Collins Coloradoan (Paywall)
Trump’s admissions data collection strains college administrators The Hechinger Report
Investigations and a billion-dollar ‘shakedown’: How Trump targeted higher education The New York Times (Paywall)
How Trump’s second term has changed higher education WBUR
Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.
