Key Highlights
- Approximately 16.8 million students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the United States in 2023
- The average undergraduate tuition and fees for public colleges in 2023 was $11,520 per year for in-state students
- The average undergraduate student debt in the U.S. reached about $37,300 in 2023
- About 56% of undergraduates in the U.S. enrolled in public institutions in 2023
- The graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduates at four-year institutions was approximately 63% in 2023
- Women make up about 57% of all undergraduate students in the U.S. in 2023
- About 46% of undergraduates in 2023 were enrolled in associate’s degree programs
- The percentage of undergraduates pursuing STEM fields was approximately 29% in 2023
- Nearly 45% of undergraduate students in 2023 reported working part-time during their studies
- The retention rate for first-year undergraduates at four-year institutions was about 81% in 2023
- Public university undergraduate enrollment accounted for about 70% of total undergraduate enrollment in 2023
- Approximately 18% of undergraduates in 2023 identified as Hispanic or Latino
- The percentage of first-generation college students among undergraduates was roughly 34% in 2023
Amidst a landscape of evolving educational trends and challenges, the 2023 undergraduate experience in the U.S. reveals a diverse student body pursuing their dreams across public and private institutions, juggling finances, mental health, and career ambitions while shaping the future of higher education.
Academic Programs and Majors
- The most popular major among undergraduates in 2023 was Business Administration, comprising about 20% of all degrees conferred
- The average time to complete an undergraduate degree was around 4.4 years in 2023
- The number of undergraduate students participating in internships increased by 10% in 2023, reflecting growing emphasis on experiential learning
- The percentage of undergraduates who used STEM labs or facilities was approximately 75% in 2023, indicating widespread access to hands-on learning resources
- About 20% of undergraduates in 2023 reported receiving tutoring or academic support services, suggesting a significant portion seek additional academic help
Academic Programs and Majors Interpretation
In 2023, with Business Administration reigning supreme and three-quarters of students getting hands-on in STEM labs, undergraduates are balancing ambition with support, even as the average degree completion time nudges past four years—proof that today’s students are mastering the art of working smarter, not just harder.
Demographics
- Approximately 18% of undergraduates in 2023 identified as Hispanic or Latino
- The percentage of first-generation college students among undergraduates was roughly 34% in 2023
- About 20% of undergraduate students in the U.S. in 2023 were international students
- The percentage of undergraduates who have dependents or caregiving responsibilities increased by 5% from the previous year, reflecting greater familial commitments
Demographics Interpretation
In 2023, American undergraduates showcase a vibrant mosaic of backgrounds and responsibilities—nearly one in five from abroad, a third blazing their own educational trail as first-generation students, and a growing tide juggling dependents—highlighting that higher education is increasingly a pursuit of diverse, multitasking lives rather than a uniform student experience.
Enrollment and Demographics
- Approximately 16.8 million students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the United States in 2023
- About 56% of undergraduates in the U.S. enrolled in public institutions in 2023
- Women make up about 57% of all undergraduate students in the U.S. in 2023
- About 46% of undergraduates in 2023 were enrolled in associate’s degree programs
- The percentage of undergraduates pursuing STEM fields was approximately 29% in 2023
- The retention rate for first-year undergraduates at four-year institutions was about 81% in 2023
- Public university undergraduate enrollment accounted for about 70% of total undergraduate enrollment in 2023
- The average age of undergraduate students in 2023 was around 24 years old
- The proportion of undergraduates enrolled full-time was about 84% in 2023
- The dropout rate for undergraduate students at four-year institutions was approximately 22% in 2023
- In 2023, computer science remained one of the fastest-growing undergraduate majors, with enrollment increasing by 20% over the previous year
- The percentage of undergraduates who live on campus was around 30% in 2023
- The share of undergraduates who took online courses in 2023 was roughly 65%
- The percentage of undergraduates who had dependents in 2023 was about 25%, indicating many students balance family responsibilities with education
- The number of students enrolled in vocational and technical undergraduate programs increased by 12% in 2023, reflecting growing interest in alternative career paths
- The percentage of first-generation college students enrolled full-time was about 75% in 2023, indicating higher enrollment among first-generation students
- The growth rate of undergraduate enrollment in online degree programs was approximately 15% in 2023, showing rapid expansion in digital education offerings
Enrollment and Demographics Interpretation
In 2023, amidst nearly 17 million undergraduates—predominantly women, public institution attendees, and online learners—continuing education remains a balancing act, with strong retention and growth in tech fields like computer science, yet still facing dropout challenges, all reflecting a diverse and evolving landscape of American higher education.
Financial Aid and Costs
- The average undergraduate tuition and fees for public colleges in 2023 was $11,520 per year for in-state students
- The average undergraduate student debt in the U.S. reached about $37,300 in 2023
- Around 60% of undergraduates in 2023 used federal student loans to help fund their education
- The percentage of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid in 2023 was approximately 75%
- The federal Pell Grant served approximately 60% of undergraduate students in 2023, providing need-based aid to low-income students
- The percentage of first-year undergraduates who receive scholarships or fellowships was about 40% in 2023
Financial Aid and Costs Interpretation
With tuition soaring to $11,520 for in-state public college students—adding to a decade-high average debt of $37,300—it's clear that nearly three-quarters of undergraduates rely on federal aid, scholarships, or loans to turn college dreams into reality, highlighting both the persistent affordability challenge and the crucial role of financial support in higher education.
Post-Graduation Outcomes
- The graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduates at four-year institutions was approximately 63% in 2023
- The median starting salary for bachelor’s degree graduates in 2023 was approximately $55,000 annually
- The percentage of undergraduates who earned a college degree within 6 years was about 62% in 2023
- Approximately 85% of undergraduates reported feeling somewhat or very confident about their career prospects in 2023
- The employment rate for recent undergraduate graduates was roughly 88% within six months of graduation in 2023
Post-Graduation Outcomes Interpretation
While roughly a third of students still face the graduation gauntlet and only about 62% cross the six-year finish line, the high confidence and strong employment rates suggest that for many, the journey through higher education is a worthwhile investment toward a promising career, especially with a median starting salary of $55,000.
Student Life and Engagement
- Nearly 45% of undergraduate students in 2023 reported working part-time during their studies
- The percentage of undergraduate students who reported experiencing mental health issues was approximately 40% in 2023
- About 8% of undergraduates in 2023 participated in study-abroad programs during their college years
- Approximately 68% of undergraduate students in 2023 reported satisfaction with their overall college experience
- The percentage of undergraduates who participate in Greek life (fraternities/sororities) was approximately 10% in 2023
- The percentage of undergraduates involved in student government or leadership roles was about 15% in 2023
- The share of undergraduates working more than 20 hours per week was about 12% in 2023, indicating many students also work while studying
- The percentage of undergraduates who report experiencing discrimination or harassment was around 15% in 2023
- The percentage of undergraduates who participate in athletics or varsity sports was around 8% in 2023
- The percentage of undergraduates who reported using mental health services was around 25% in 2023, reflecting mental health awareness initiatives
- In 2023, about 70% of undergraduate students reported feeling engaged or highly engaged in campus activities, indicating strong campus community involvement
Student Life and Engagement Interpretation
In 2023, while nearly half of undergraduates juggled work and studies amidst a mental health awareness surge, a modest slice engaged in Greek life or study abroad, yet a robust 70% found their campus community a vital part of the college experience.