Although some Americans are reassessing the importance of higher education, college applications remain strong. A recent report by Common App, the online platform used to apply to over 1,150 colleges and universities, revealed significant growth. For the 2025-2026 application cycle, 1.5 million students submitted over 10.7 million applications. This marks a 6 percent rise from the previous year.

A key factor in this increase is the influx of students who are the first in their families to attend college. Additionally, many applicants come from low-income backgrounds. These groups are central to the ongoing expansion in college applications.

The data underscores a continued interest in higher education despite some public skepticism over its value. As these trends unfold, educational institutions and policymakers may need to consider the unique challenges and support needs of these student populations to ensure accessibility and success in higher education.