Hey, considering starting college next year and just curious, does anyone know which state hosts the highest number of college students? Also, does the state with most college students also have the most colleges?
Hello! The state with the highest number of college students is California. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, in the 2018-2019 academic year, California had a total of about 2.5 million students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions. Keep in mind, though, that California is also the most populous state, which naturally leads to a higher number of college enrollees.
As for the state with the most colleges, that title also goes to California. The state boasts more than 400 degree-granting postsecondary institutions, including a vast range of community colleges, four-year institutions, and private colleges. This gives students a wide array of locations, types of institutions, and programs from which they can choose, which certainly contributes to its high enrollment numbers.
It's also worth mentioning that the state of New York has the second-highest number of college students and colleges. On the other hand, states like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, while not having the largest total numbers, do have a high concentration of colleges and universities relative to their population size.
Remember, it's not just about the numbers. The right college for you depends on your individual needs and career goals, the location, the campus culture, the available courses and programs, and many other factors.
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