The SORT — June 5: College Enrollment Climbs 1%
New enrollment data shows community colleges and certificate programs drove growth this spring, while Yale confirmed a testing-policy shift that affects applicants this fall.
Spring 2026 Enrollment Reached 18.6 Million, Led by Community Colleges
Total postsecondary enrollment reached 18.6 million this spring, up 1% year over year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's final spring report released June 4. Undergraduate enrollment rose 1.3% to 15.5 million, driven by community colleges (up 3.1%) and certificate programs (up 10.2%). Graduate enrollment dipped 0.1%, and international graduate students declined 4.3%.
Why it matters: Community college and short-term certificate growth means more students are finding affordable, faster pathways into careers — a trend worth knowing for families weighing two-year vs. four-year options.
Source: National Student Clearinghouse
Yale Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement for Class of 2031
Yale announced May 27 that applicants for the class of 2031 — those applying this fall — must submit SAT or ACT scores, ending six years of flexible and test-optional policies adopted during COVID. The prior policy allowed substituting AP or IB scores; that option closes with this cycle. Dean Pericles Lewis cited the tests' ability to predict academic performance, particularly for students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Why it matters: If Yale is on your college list, a required standardized test is back — check whether your scores fall in the admitted mid-50% range (SAT 1480–1580, ACT 33–35).
Source: Yale News
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