Many Americans are reconsidering the importance of higher education, yet the number of students applying to colleges remains substantial. Recent data highlights a significant trend.
A report from Common App, an online application platform used by over 1,150 colleges and universities, reveals that in the 2025-2026 application cycle, 1.5 million students submitted over 10.7 million applications. This marks a 6 percent rise compared to the previous year.
The growth in applications has been largely propelled by students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education and those from low-income backgrounds. This demographic shift underscores the aspirational value education holds for these students, as they seek opportunities for advancement and economic mobility.
Despite ongoing debates surrounding the cost and value of a college degree, the desire for higher education remains robust among these groups, driving the increase in applications.
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