Younger Students Drive Increase in Associate Degrees as Community College Enrollment Rises in 2024-25

Students aged 18 to 20 represented nearly one-third of first-time associate degree earners in the 2024-25 academic year, surpassing students aged 21 to 24 as the largest share, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The number of associate degrees awarded to this younger age group increased nearly 50% over the last decade.

Community college enrollment also rose by 3% in the fall of 2025 compared to the prior academic year.

Tuition and fees for the 2025-26 academic year averaged $4,150 at two-year public schools, $11,950 for in-state students at four-year public colleges, and $45,000 at four-year private schools, per College Board data. Congress passed President Donald Trump's 'big beautiful bill' last year, which expanded Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolling in workforce training programs.

Pell Grants are now worth up to $7,395 and were previously available only to degree-seeking undergraduate students.

Nationwide, only about one-third of students who start at community colleges ultimately transfer to four-year schools, based on several long-term studies.