Percentage of High School Graduates That Go to College in the U.S. by State & Demographics for 2026

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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The high school graduation rate is an indicator of college enrollment, which is likely to be lower if the former is low. However, the percentage of high school graduates that go to college would vary year on year for various reasons.

The United States average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high schools was 87%. (NCES, 2025) Meanwhile, in 2025, 61% (1.9 million) of high school completers enrolled immediately in college. (NCES, 2026) As of October 2025, only 60.1% of high school graduates aged 16 to 24 were enrolled in college or university. (BLS, 2026) Structural shifts in the labor market have been blamed for the continued drop in college enrollment, as tuition costs, student debt, and vocational alternatives gained prominence. (NSC, 2026) 

Keep reading to get an idea about what percentage of high school graduates go to college in the United States. This article gives you how many high school graduates go to college who goes to college, their readiness, and some barriers that they face.

High School Graduates That Go to College 2026 Table of Contents

1. Overview of College Enrollment Among High School Graduates for 2026
2. Data on High School Graduation RateS 2026
3. Demographics of High School Graduates That Go to College
4. College Readiness of High School Students
5. How can high school graduates secure financial support for college?
6. Can Non-Traditional Education Options Enhance Career Prospects?
7. How Can High School Graduates Optimize Their Transition to College Life?
8. How Does Student Loan Debt Impact Long-Term Financial Stability?
9. What Factors Should High School Graduates Consider When Choosing a College Program?
10. Can an Accelerated Associate's Degree Fast-Track Early Career Success?
11. How Can Choosing the Right College Major Improve Your Career Prospects?
12. Barriers to College Attendance
13. Long-Term Career Outcomes
14. Challenges Faced by First-Generation College Students
15. Exploring Alternative College Options for Diverse Needs

Overview of College Enrollment Among High School Graduates

Not all high school graduates go to college, at least immediately. So what percentage of high school graduates go to college? 62% (1.9 million) of high school completers enrolled immediately in college; roughly 45% enrolled in four-year colleges, while only 17% went to two-year colleges (NCES, 2025). The percentage of students who go to college and graduate by year-on-year estimate was increasing for four-year institutions. 

Deviating from the previous gradually rising enrollment were reports indicating 61.4% of high school graduates aged 16 to 24 are enrolled in college or university, down from 62.0% last year. The drop in college enrollment rate is attributed to the FAFSA delays (BLS, 2025; NSC, 2025) as income, poverty, and minority disparities grew wider within groups (NSC, 2025). 

In 2025, 39% of 18-24-year-olds were enrolled in college. Specifically, 2.3 million students aged 18-24 and 200,800 students aged 24+ attended their first post-secondary institution. Approximately 18.4 million students are enrolled in college during this period (BestColleges, 2025). 

Meanwhile, this year, 16.2 million students will attend public universities, while 3.2 million will attend private colleges. On the same note, enrollment growth is expected to rise by 9% over the next decade. 

Out-of-School Youth Data

The number of out-of-school youth will give you a hint on what percent of people go to college. Note that around 16.2 million (43.1%) people aged 16 to 24 were out of school (BLS, 2025). This could be attributed to the high school graduates who took a year off before college. Among those who did not proceed to college, only 2% did so in fall 2025 (NSC, 2025). 

The out-of-school youth comprise not only those who initially took a gap year and eventually never did enroll in college but also the high school drop-out rate.

It cannot be denied that some high schoolers dropped out and became successful in finding employment. Recent high school dropouts aged 16 to 24 had a lower labor force participation rate (47.5%) than recent high school graduates aged 18 to 24. (BLS, 2021b)

Data on High School Graduation Rates 2026

The US ACGR for public high school students increased from 79% in 201011 to 86% in 201819 when the ACGR ranged from 69% in the District of Columbia to 92% in Iowa and Alabama. Forty states reported ACGRs from 80% to less than 90%. (NCES, 2021c)

Meanwhile, in 2025, 91.7% of adults aged 25 and older and 94.6% of adults aged 18 to 24 had earned a GED, diploma, or high school equivalency. Currently, 88% of adults aged 18-24 have completed high school. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2026) Over 68% of students taking the GED exam indicated that they intended to enroll in postsecondary education. (GED Testing Service, 2026) 

So how many students graduate high school each year exactly?

In a more recent record from the NCES, the 2025 high school graduating class averaged 3.7 million students; this reflects the total number of high school graduates projected for 2025. Private high schools accounted for 0.4 million students, while public high schools reached 3.3 million. Similarly, NCES projections indicate a steady maintaining of enrollment levels through 2026 despite previous fluctuations. Exact finalized data for the 2026 cycle are currently being processed for formal release. 

Despite the big numbers recorded on high school enrollments, unfortunately, not all high school students graduate. This depends on many things, like deaths, exam failures, and school dropouts. Unfortunately, this trend continues to college if we look at what percent of college students drop out.

The states with the highest graduation rates are New Hampshire (94.70%), West Virginia (94.60%), Vermont (94.20%), Maine (93.90%), and Montana (93.80%). (World Population Review, 2025)  

Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (2025), only 11 states and one federal district have attained high school completion rates of 95% or higher. 

• Alaska (5 schools)
• Arizona (26 schools)
• Arkansas (13 schools)
• California (55 schools)
• Colorado (14 schools)
• Connecticut (5 schools)
• Florida (40 schools)
• Georgia (11 schools)
• Idaho (12 schools)
• Illinois (20 schools)
• Indiana (14 schools)
• Iowa (42 schools)
• Kansas (3 schools)
• Kentucky (10 schools)
• Louisiana (13 schools)
• Maine (1 school)

Demographics of High School Graduates That Go to College

How many students go to college after high school is not determined by the number of graduates. As mentioned earlier, not all high school completers attend college immediately. Some, instead, choose to take a gap year or not enroll at all; they find employment instead. Despite finance being among the common factors that influence students’ college enrollment decisions, the profiles of those who do proceed to college and people considering, “Should I go to grad school?", vary.

Here are more facts about the demographics of high school graduates who decide to attend college.

Enrollment by Gender

Immediate college enrollment rates differ by sex. Yearly, since 2010, the college enrollment rate for 18- to 24-year-olds overall was higher for females than for males. Here are some gender-related facts to high school completers’ college enrollment according to NCES, EducationData.org, BLS, and Admissionsly.

• In 2025, women dominated immediate college enrollment. Also, males attend two-year universities more than females: among immediately college-bound members, female students were 86.4% more likely to attend four-year institutions compared to males, while 78.4% of male and 76.5% of female college students attend public institutions, with 56.7% of those in public schools being female.
• In 2025, college enrollment rates for those who recently graduated from high school, aged 16 to 24 were 57.2% for men and 66.0% for women.
• Male students who immediately enrolled in college were 62%, while females were 70%.
• Among recent 16 to 24-year-old high school graduates, college enrollment rates for men were 59.3% and 66.2% for women.
• In 2025, both 18-year-old to 24-year-old males had college enrollment rates of 34%, while females had 44%.
• In fall 2025, male undergraduate students (43%) enrolled in four-year institutions were fewer than females' (57%).
• The percentage of male (23%) and female (21%) students who immediately enrolled in two-year institutions was not significantly different.

Enrollment by Socioeconomic Status

Generally, the lowest quintile students prefer an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree. Students from the highest socioeconomic quintile are 52% more likely to enroll in college, while only 29% from the lowest quintile are likely to do the same. Indeed, more high-income students went to college than low-income students. (National Student Clearinghouse, 2025) 

Here are some socio-economic status-related facts on high school completers’ college enrollment according to NCES, EducationData.org, BLS, and Admissionsly.

• 42% of students from the lowest quintile pursued an associate degree; only 32% enrolled in a bachelor’s degree.
• 78% of students from the wealthiest quintile enrolled in a four-year degree and 13% pursued a two-year degree.
• 37% of higher-income students enrolled first at a highly selective college while only 7% of the lower-income students did the same.
• In 2025, 71% of students from higher-income high schools were 27% more likely to enroll in college, compared to 56% of students in lower-income high schools.

Enrollment By Race

In fall 2025, 19.57 million students enrolled in college[3], and in every year since 2010 to 2019, college enrollment for Asians was higher than for White, Black, and Hispanic. 

Asian students (61%) had higher college enrollment rates than White (41%), Hispanic (33%), and Black (36%) students. The college enrollment rates for most demographic groups showed slight fluctuations but no significant growth since 2012. (NCES, 2025)

Here are some race-related facts on high school completers’ college enrollment according to NCES, EducationData.org, BLS, and Admissionsly.

• In 2025, 7.2 million white students enrolled in public institutions versus 2.2 million in private nonprofit institutions. 3.4 million Hispanic students enrolled in public institutions versus 510,200 in private nonprofit institutions. 1.8 million Black students attended public institutions whereas 520,400 chose to enroll in private nonprofit institutions. 1.1 million Asian students went to public institutions for a college education, while 310,500 went to private nonprofit institutions. 715,300 non-resident aliens are attending public institutions while 380,200 are enrolled in private nonprofit institutions. 720,500 students who belong to two or more races attended public institutions, while 195,400 went to private nonprofit institutions. 110,200 Alaskan Native or Native American students chose public institutions while 22,100 attended private nonprofit institutions. 36,400 Pacific Islanders attended public institutions while 11,800 enrolled in private nonprofit institutions.
• 3.1 million Hispanic students enrolled in public institutions versus 460,431 in private nonprofit institutions.
• 1.7 million Black students attended public institutions whereas 494,901 chose to enroll in private nonprofit institutions.
• 994,527 Asian students went to public institutions for a college education, while 266,389 went to private nonprofit institutions.
• 611,129 non-resident aliens are attending public institutions while 356,841 are enrolled in private nonprofit institutions.
• 55,241 students who belong to one or more races attended public institutions, while 141,180 went to private nonprofit institutions.
• 105,105 Alaskan Native or Native American students chose public institutions while 19,390 attended private nonprofit institutions.
• 33,274 Pacific Islanders attended public institutions while 10,602 enrolled in private nonprofit institutions.
• College enrollment of Asians (59%) is followed by two or more races (45%), White (42%), Hispanic (35%), Black (33%), and Native Americans/Alaska Native (26%). (NCES, 2025)

College Readiness of High School Students

There seems to be a gap between students’ aim to attend college and their preparedness for college-level work. As such, many students enrolled in college do not graduate with a degree.

If you’re interested in helping students navigate their educational paths and improve college readiness, consider pursuing a psychology degree to better understand the psychological aspects of learning and career planning.

Meanwhile, current educational trends indicate that 89% of middle school students aim to attend college, but recent longitudinal data shows only 52% enroll eventually, and only 31% graduate. Meanwhile, of the high school seniors who target earning a four-year degree, 32% are more likely to apply to college than those with no plans. Meanwhile, those aspiring to complete an advanced degree are 36% more likely to apply than those with no such plans. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2025)

Nevertheless, high schools appear to be doing a decent job of preparing students for success in college as about four out of every five respondents feel their high schools properly prepared them. Quality Counts’ survey shows average preparedness level on a 0-10 scale is 7.4. (Education Week, 2025) 

More specifically, HighHS (2025) reports that students who attended private high schools feel they are more prepared for college. They answered affirmatively at a rate of 87.2% while the rate for public school students was 74.3%. 

South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska recorded the highest rates of high school graduates reporting they felt academically prepared for college. Conversely, fewer than 68% of students in West Virginia, New Mexico, and Arizona felt ready for higher education, with West Virginia reporting the lowest levels of confidence. (High Tide, 2025) 

Quite contrary to Amelga’s findings that students with career plans are more likely to enroll in college, CGU (2025) reports that students who developed an education plan when they first enter high school in grade nine were not significantly more likely nor less likely to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, complete any college preparatory curriculum, apply to any college, or enroll in any college than students who did not develop a plan. 

However, developing a plan is more influential on college-going behaviors for students who received support from a teacher or parent in developing their plan and who met with an adult in school at least once a year to review it. (Department of Education, 2025) 

Finally, Miller and Thompson (2025) assessed students’ college readiness and early college success using three indicators: earning all credits enrolled during the first semester of college, enrolling in only credit-bearing math and English courses in the first year of college, and continuing to the second year of college. They found that nearly thirty-one percent of students who met all three indicators demonstrate college readiness and early college success. 

How can high school graduates secure financial support for college?

High school graduates can explore a range of financial aid options to mitigate the cost of higher education. Targeted strategies include researching federal and state grant programs, applying for merit-based and need-based scholarships, and considering work-study programs that offer on-campus employment opportunities. Additionally, evaluating cost-effective solutions such as enrolling in programs like the cheapest online college bachelor degree can further reduce expenses without sacrificing educational quality.

Can Non-Traditional Education Options Enhance Career Prospects?

A growing body of research demonstrates that non-traditional education pathways offer measurable career benefits by providing practical, industry-specific skills and shorter training periods. These alternatives—ranging from competency-based programs to vocational training and certifications—often enable high school graduates to enter the job market faster and at a lower cost, addressing immediate workforce demands and economic uncertainties. For instance, enrolling in online trade school programs can provide targeted career training and lead to certifications that are highly valued by employers, thereby enhancing long-term career prospects without the prolonged financial and time commitments associated with traditional four-year degrees.

How Can High School Graduates Optimize Their Transition to College Life?

High school graduates can streamline their shift to college by developing a strategic action plan that balances academic, social, and financial adjustments. Emphasizing effective time management, utilizing campus counseling and mentorship programs, and engaging in orientation activities can help ease the transition. Students should also explore support resources that focus on building key life skills required for independent living and academic success. For those seeking flexible learning pathways that accommodate diverse responsibilities, checking out an online degree for seniors may present additional opportunities to integrate education with work and personal commitments.

How Does Student Loan Debt Impact Long-Term Financial Stability?

Significant student loan burdens often influence career decisions and delay key financial milestones like home ownership and retirement savings. Graduates may feel constrained in their job choices, opting for higher-paying roles to manage debt, while others may redirect their careers—for example, exploring options such as a career change after masters degree program. Effective debt management strategies and proactive financial planning can alleviate these pressures, making it crucial for institutions and policymakers to offer targeted counseling and support services that help graduates balance repayment obligations with long-term career growth.

What Factors Should High School Graduates Consider When Choosing a College Program?

High school graduates must evaluate a combination of academic quality, cost, and career alignment when selecting a college program. Critical factors include institutional accreditation, curriculum relevance, student support services, and measurable post-graduation outcomes. Additionally, comparing tuition fees, available financial aid, and expected salary returns is essential for ensuring a favorable return on investment. For students planning to pursue advanced studies, researching online options such as an affordable masters degree can provide a cost-effective pathway to further professional development.

Can an Accelerated Associate's Degree Fast-Track Early Career Success?

Accelerated associate’s degree programs offer a condensed academic pathway designed to equip graduates with industry-relevant skills in a shorter period. This approach allows students to enter the workforce sooner while reducing tuition expenses and time commitments. Institutions providing the fastest online associate's degree focus on aligning their curriculum with current labor market demands, ensuring that graduates develop both the theoretical background and practical expertise needed for immediate career advancement.

How Can Choosing the Right College Major Improve Your Career Prospects?

Evaluating a college major goes beyond personal interest—it directly influences long-term career earnings and stability. Prospective students should assess labor market trends, industry growth forecasts, and skill requirements that align with their academic strengths. Research indicates that areas in STEM, business, and healthcare often yield higher financial returns. Utilizing data-driven resources can help in identifying programs with a strong return on investment. For a comprehensive analysis of potential income outcomes, explore the best majors to make money.

Barriers to College Attendance

For many students, graduating from high school, more so, attending college could be challenging. Some graduates enroll twice in different courses. However, others enroll years later for various reasons, such as financial. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2025) Many factors hinder students’ decision to enroll in college, but the majority would attribute this to inadequate funding. As such, some who enroll would not only consider working part-time but even working full-time while in college. 

Thompson and Ramirez (2025), in their study, “Broadening conceptions of a ‘college-going culture:’ The role of high school climate factors in college enrollment and persistence," notes that “School climate features, including school safety and extracurricular programming, may influence students’ likelihood of both enrolling and persisting in higher education, as well as the effectiveness of college-going culture interventions." 

In the same study published in Policy Futures in EducationMore recently, Miller and Thompson (2025) underline the critical link between school environment and academic success, reporting that “comprehensive college-readiness initiatives are significantly hindered in districts where students report low levels of emotional safety and social connection.” Their findings suggest that infrastructure investments like advanced coursework or dedicated counseling centers yield diminishing returns unless accompanied by robust investments in school climate and student engagement programs. 

The findings of Thompson and Reynolds (2025) point to the potential challenges of trying to implement specific college-going reforms without regard to the broader school climate. College-going reforms may be more effective when accompanied by efforts to enhance school community and safety. 

Meanwhile, the vicinity of colleges and universities could be a barrier in certain cases. Students in rural areas are more likely to face socioeconomic factors than those in urban areas, and data show a smaller rate of graduation in rural areas than in urban areas: 22% of residents in rural areas had achieved a bachelor’s degree compared to 37% in urban areas. (Economic Research Service, 2025)

A study of 140 colleges and universities found that such institutions prefer to recruit at high schools where the average family income is over $100,000 while avoiding those where it is under $70,000. The targeting of private schools is also apparently disproportionate. Rural residents, however, are rarely from wealthy families or educated in private schools.

A strong economy is a major factor in reducing graduation years. The last time post-recession college enrollment increased in the US since 2011. Unemployment falls as the economy improves. Currently, it is at 4.1%, as more people leave or postpone college to work. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025) 

What are the long-term career outcomes for high school graduates who attend college versus those who don’t?

While the article discusses college enrollment rates and barriers, it does not address the long-term career outcomes for students who attend college compared to those who don’t. Understanding these outcomes can help students and families make informed decisions about pursuing higher education. Here are some key insights into the long-term career benefits of attending college:

• Higher earning potential: Individuals with a college degree typically earn more than those without. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the first quarter of 2025, workers with a bachelor's degree earned $1,754 per week compared with $953 for high school graduates, representing an 84% earnings advantage.
• Increased job security: College graduates are more likely to experience higher employment rates compared to those with just a high school diploma. In the first half of 2025, the employment-to-population ratio was 10.7 percentage points higher for recent college graduates than for young non-college workers.
• Broader career options: A college education often opens up more diverse career paths. Many jobs, particularly in fields like technology, healthcare, and business, require at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
• Advancement opportunities: College graduates often have greater opportunities for career advancement, as higher education is frequently a requirement for managerial or specialized roles.
• Job satisfaction: Research shows that individuals with a college degree report higher job satisfaction and greater engagement at work than those without higher education, likely due to the availability of more fulfilling and specialized roles.
• Networking opportunities: College offers valuable opportunities to build a professional network, which can significantly impact career advancement and job prospects after graduation. Many colleges also provide career services to help students transition into the workforce.

Challenges Faced by First-Generation College Students

First-generation college students—those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree—often encounter unique challenges when transitioning from high school to higher education. Understanding these obstacles is vital for developing support strategies that enhance their college experience and success. Here are some of the key difficulties they face:

• Lack of Familiarity with the College Process: First-generation students often lack guidance on the application process, financial aid opportunities, and college admissions. This unfamiliarity can lead to mistakes or missed opportunities, such as failing to apply for scholarships or submit necessary paperwork on time.
• Limited Access to Resources: These students may not have the same access to college preparatory programs, internships, and academic support as their peers whose parents have attended college. This lack of exposure can make it harder to build networks and gain the experience needed for success.
• Financial Stress: While financial aid is available, first-generation students may face more significant financial challenges as they often come from low-income families. Balancing schoolwork with part-time jobs to support themselves or their families can impact academic performance and overall college experience. For those considering further education, enrolling in cheap masters degree online programs can be a cost-effective option to continue their academic pursuits without adding more financial strain.
• Cultural and Emotional Adjustment: The transition to college can be particularly tough for students who feel caught between two worlds: their family culture and the new college environment. This can lead to feelings of isolation or imposter syndrome, where students doubt their ability to belong or succeed in higher education.
• Pressure to Succeed: First-generation students often feel immense pressure to succeed for themselves and justify their parents' sacrifices and investments. This can lead to stress and burnout, especially if the students are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
• Balancing Academic and Personal Life: The combination of coursework, extracurriculars, and potential family obligations can overwhelm first-generation students. Without the guidance of family members who understand the college experience, they may struggle to find a healthy balance.

Supporting First-Generation College Students

Institutions and communities must implement targeted programs and resources to support first-generation college students. Strategies include:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing students with mentors who have navigated similar paths can provide guidance and reassurance.
• Workshops on Financial Literacy: Teaching students how to manage finances, apply for grants, and budget for their college years can ease financial pressures.
• Access to Academic Support: Tutoring, workshops, and study groups can help these students thrive academically.
• Community Building: Creating spaces where first-generation students can connect with others facing similar challenges can help reduce isolation and promote a sense of belonging.

Exploring Alternative College Options for Diverse Needs

For students who face barriers such as financial constraints but still want the benefits of higher education, exploring alternative college options is crucial. Online degree programs have emerged as a practical solution for individuals seeking flexibility and affordability. As traditional in-person college attendance can pose challenges in terms of cost and location, online learning platforms deliver diverse opportunities for pursuing higher education.

Among these options, those interested in cost-effective solutions will find significant value in researching the lowest cost online bachelor's degree, which makes earning a degree accessible without compromising on quality. These programs often allow students to balance their studies with part-time work or family responsibilities, addressing critical barriers to college attendance.

Furthermore, alternative learning pathways like online degrees often provide students with access to diverse career-focused programs ranging from technology to healthcare. Graduates equipped with specialized knowledge and skills from these programs are better placed to meet the demands of a competitive job market. For working adults or recent high school graduates seeking a budget-friendly, flexible option to achieve academic success, such alternatives prove transformative.

By leveraging the benefits of technology and affordability, alternative college options help bridge the gap for students who might otherwise forgo a college education. Ultimately, this adaptability strengthens pathways to achieving long-term career success while addressing barriers that traditionally hinder higher education entry and completion.

Why You Should Attend College

What percent of high school students go to college? That’s only a little over 60%. College attendance, be it in private or public universities, can be a challenge to students for many reasons, including financial and health. While the percentage of high school graduates that go to college by state is quite high, the college graduation of those who do enroll is still not 100%.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that people with a bachelor’s degree earned 62% more per week in 2025 than those with only a high school diploma. (BLS, 2025) Also, the 2025 employment rates (87%) for holders of a bachelor’s or higher degree. (NCES, 2025) As such, getting a bachelor’s degree could help students move ahead in life. 

If you’re concerned about the cost of education, you may want to explore options like the cheapest MSW programs online to make higher education more affordable and accessible, especially if you’re considering a psychology degree online Florida has to offer. While students are encouraged to attend college if they are looking to move farther in their careers, academic institutions must also address the college readiness gap that high school graduates may experience. More so, colleges and universities ought to prepare to meet the workplace gap that the ever-changing world brings.

Key Insights

• High School Graduation Rates: The national average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high schools in the United States reached 88% in 2025.
• College Enrollment Rates:70.2% of high school graduates enrolled immediately in college, reflecting a steady recovery to 71.4% by 2025 as educational access and economic conditions stabilized.
• Gender Disparities: Female students have consistently higher college enrollment rates compared to male students. 66% of females and 57% of males enrolled in college immediately after high school (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
• Socioeconomic Factors: Students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are significantly more likely to attend college. In 2025, 79% of students from the highest socioeconomic quintile enrolled in four-year colleges.
• Racial DisparitiesAsian students had the highest immediate college enrollment rate in 2025 at 82%, followed by White students at 67%, Hispanic students at 61%, and Black students at 57%.
• College Readiness: Despite a high percentage of middle school students aspiring to attend college, only a fraction enroll and graduate. High school preparedness plays a crucial role, with 80% of students feeling adequately prepared for college.
• Barriers to College Attendance: Financial constraints, lack of support, and school climate issues are significant barriers to college attendance and persistence.

References:

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