Students who are the first in their families to attend college, along with those from low-income households, significantly contribute to the increasing number of college applications.
Despite ongoing debates about the relevance and value of higher education in America, a substantial number of students continue to apply to colleges.
A recent report from Common App, an online platform that facilitates applications to over 1,150 colleges and universities, provides insights into this trend.
The report indicates that 1.5 million students submitted more than 10.7 million applications in the 2025-2026 cycle. This reflects a 6 percent rise compared to the previous year, demonstrating a growing interest in higher education.