There were approximately 18.58 million college students in the U.S. in 2022, with around 13.49 million enrolled in public colleges and a further 5.09 million students enrolled in private colleges. The figures are projected to remain relatively constant over the next few years.

What is the most expensive college in the U.S.? The overall number of higher education institutions in the U.S. totals around 4,000, and California is the state with the most. One important factor that students – and their parents – must consider before choosing a college is cost. With annual expenses totaling almost 78,000 U.S. dollars, Harvey Mudd College in California was the most expensive college for the 2021-2022 academic year. There are three major costs of college: tuition, room, and board. The difference in on-campus and off-campus accommodation costs is often negligible, but they can change greatly depending on the college town.

The differences between public and private colleges Public colleges, also called state colleges, are mostly funded by state governments. Private colleges, on the other hand, are not funded by the government but by private donors and endowments. Typically, private institutions are  much more expensive. Public colleges tend to offer different tuition fees for students based on whether they live in-state or out-of-state, while private colleges have the same tuition cost for every student.

As of 2022, 51.4 percent of Americans aged 20 to 21 years were enrolled in higher education institutions in the United States, a considerable increase compared to 31.9 percent enrolled in 1970. For Americans aged 18 to 19, 46.5 percent were enrolled in higher education in 2022.

In 2022, there were approximately 107,700 students with American Indian or Alaskan Native heritage enrolled at a university in the United States. This is a slight increase from the previous year, when there were 106,600 students with American Indian or Alaska Native heritage enrolled in postsecondary education.

The average for 2022 based on 119 countries was 55.47 percent. The highest value was in Greece: 166.67 percent and the lowest value was in Tanzania: 5.43 percent. The indicator is available from 1970 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

In the fall of 2022, about *** million students were enrolled in at least one distance education course from a public postsecondary institution in the United States. This is compared to around ******* students who were enrolled in distance education courses from private, for profit institutions. The high enrollment level in distance education courses is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Vietnam Higher Education Market Size 2025-2029

The vietnam higher education market size is forecast to increase by USD 616.5 million, at a CAGR of 15.6% between 2024 and 2029.

Major Market Trends & Insights

By Product - Software segment was valued at USD 166.00 million in 2022
By End-user - Private colleges segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 308.46 million
Market Future Opportunities: USD 616.50 million 
CAGR : 15.6%

Market Summary

The market has witnessed significant shifts in recent years, with international students increasingly choosing Vietnamese institutions for their academic pursuits. According to UNESCO data, the number of international students in Vietnam grew by 22% between 2017 and 2018. This trend is driven by the country's improving educational standards and competitive fees, which are lower than many Western universities. Furthermore, Vietnam's strategic location and robust economic growth make it an attractive destination for students seeking a global education experience. The country's universities offer a diverse range of programs, from engineering and IT to business and humanities, catering to the evolving demands of the job market. This dynamic market continues to unfold, with new partnerships and collaborations shaping the educational landscape.

What will be the size of the Vietnam Higher Education Market during the forecast period?

Get Key Insights on Market Forecast (PDF) Request Free SampleThe market exhibits significant growth, with current enrollment figures representing a substantial increase compared to previous years. Approximately 2.5 million students were enrolled in higher education institutions in 2021, accounting for a 10% annual expansion rate. Looking forward, this trend is expected to continue, with growth projected to reach 12% per annum over the next five years. A noteworthy comparison reveals that the number of students pursuing higher education has more than doubled since 2015. This expansion is driven by a combination of factors, including increased access to financial aid, a growing emphasis on career services effectiveness, and the implementation of data-driven decision-making processes. Institutional reputation, faculty development initiatives, and student wellbeing programs have become key priorities for higher education institutions in Vietnam. Consequently, course completion rates have risen steadily, with an average of 75% of students graduating within the standard timeframe. Additionally, educational resource management and e-learning accessibility have improved, enabling more students to access digital learning resources and online courses. In terms of international collaborations, Vietnam has seen a 20% increase in partnerships with foreign universities in recent years. This trend is expected to continue, further enhancing the country's educational landscape and providing students with a broader range of opportunities. Faculty research productivity and pedagogical approaches have also undergone significant changes, with a focus on blended learning models and learning outcome assessment. These innovations have contributed to the overall institutional effectiveness and student satisfaction, as reflected in the latest student feedback surveys. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including the need for continued investment in classroom technology integration, faculty advising support, and academic accreditation. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for maintaining the momentum of growth and ensuring the long-term success of the higher education sector in Vietnam.

How is this Vietnam Higher Education Market segmented?

The higher education in vietnam industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. ProductSoftwareHardwareEnd-userPrivate collegesState universitiesCommunity collegesCoursesUndergraduateMastersPhDGeographyAPACVietnam

By Product Insights

The software segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is experiencing notable advancements, particularly in the adoption of technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Learning management systems (LMSs) and online learning platforms are gaining traction, with a reported 30% of universities currently utilizing LMSs. Teacher training programs are also prioritizing the integration of technology, as 45% of institutions plan to invest in digital tools for faculty development. Quality assurance frameworks are essential to ensure academic standards, with 55% of universities implementing these frameworks. Higher education enrollment has seen steady growth, with a

Bangladesh BD: School Enrollment: Tertiary: Female: % Gross data was reported at 21.955 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 20.844 % for 2022. Bangladesh BD: School Enrollment: Tertiary: Female: % Gross data is updated yearly, averaging 3.770 % from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2023, with 42 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21.955 % in 2023 and a record low of 0.407 % in 1970. Bangladesh BD: School Enrollment: Tertiary: Female: % Gross data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Bangladesh – Table BD.World Bank.WDI: Social: Education Statistics. Gross enrollment ratio is the ratio of total enrollment, regardless of age, to the population of the age group that officially corresponds to the level of education shown. Tertiary education, whether or not to an advanced research qualification, normally requires, as a minimum condition of admission, the successful completion of education at the secondary level.;UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). UIS.Stat Bulk Data Download Service. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://apiportal.uis.unesco.org/bdds.;Weighted average;

University and college enrollment measures the total fall enrollment at the University of Illinois and Parkland College. Spring enrollment figures are not included in this indicator.

Enrollment at the University of Illinois has seen a steadily increasing trend since 2000, with a slight drop between 2006 and 2007, and again between 2022 and 2023. Enrollment at Parkland College has had less of a consistent trend, fluctuating between 2000 and 2011. Parkland College enrollment saw a sharp increase between 2011 and 2012, and decreased between 2012 and 2022. Parkland College enrollment increased in 2023 and 2024.

The University of Illinois and Parkland College are both important parts of the Champaign-Urbana community. Enrollment is an intuitive measure of an institution’s growth. Enrollment cannot paint a complete picture of any institution, but it is a solid starting point.

This data came from enrollment reports posted on the University of Illinois and Parkland College websites.

Sources: Parkland College. Website. Table A1: Annual Enrollment Data. FY 00 - FY 24. (Retrieved 5 December 2024).; Division of Management Information. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Website. UIUC Student Enrollment. Years 2000-2024. (Retrieved 5 December 2024).

In the academic year 2024, the enrollment rate in universities and junior colleges reached around **** percent for male students and **** percent for female students in Japan. The share of young women attending higher education institutions increased more than ******* in the past 60 years. The overall direct enrollment rate after high school graduation was ** percent.

Revenue in the Higher Education industry in Europe is anticipated to expand at a compound annual rate of 0.7% to €148.2 billion over the five years through 2025, with a 0.2% rise in revenue in 2025. Higher education remains an extremely popular option for school leavers, which supports the demand for places. Institutions rely heavily on individual government funding, with donations and student contributions making up the rest. There is a growing number of students across Europe, with 18.8 million students in higher education last reported by the European Commission in 2022. The increasing student population boosted demand for higher education places, supporting enrollment in universities across Europe and improving revenue figures. The COVID-19 outbreak severely hindered European higher education operations in 2020 and 2021. With most face-to-face teaching switched to online teaching, universities had to invest heavily in the equipment and online education tools to keep courses running remotely while reimbursing accommodation fees, which cut into profit. Enrolments in universities throughout Europe have surged since 2021 due to people deferring during the outbreak, uncertainty over hiring chances in the job market and EU targets to increase university uptake by 2030. Revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.7% to €153.4 billion over the five years through 2030. Governments throughout Europe are targeting greater enrolment in higher education since many countries are facing a growing skill gap in their labour markets. A growing demand for specific skills in the labour market will encourage attendance at higher education colleges, boosting revenue.

Hong Kong: Tertiary school enrollment, percent of all eligible children: The latest value from 2023 is 100.46 percent, an increase from 97.35 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 40.35 percent, based on data from 63 countries. Historically, the average for Hong Kong from 1971 to 2023 is 42.47 percent. The minimum value, 7.11 percent, was reached in 1971 while the maximum of 100.46 percent was recorded in 2023.

Over the past five years, for-profit universities have faced mounting headwinds amid regulatory tightening, inflation and negative public perception. While data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that overall postsecondary enrollment grew by just 0.5% from 2020 to 2025, enrollment at for-profit institutions shrank by 4.1%. Ballooning student debt and rising tuition, made worse by inflation in 2022 and 2023, have driven many recent graduates and adult learners to second-guess the value of higher education, especially degrees from for-profit schools with poor graduate earnings. Government regulations added further strain as the Biden administration's 2024 reinstatement of gainful employment rules once again linked access to federal funding to graduate debt-to-income ratios. At the same time, for-profit schools battled declining revenue as affordable nonprofit and vocational programs drew away budget-conscious students. Industry revenue has dropped at a CAGR of 0.5% to an estimated $13.6 billion over the five years through 2025. A faltering reputation has played a major role in the industry's decline. According to Federal Student Aid data, for-profit universities are repeatedly criticized for low graduation rates, weak graduate earnings and high student loan default rates—the highest across any demographic. Allegations of predatory practices remain in the headlines, exemplified by Walden University's $28.5 million lawsuit settlement in 2024. Although these institutions offer flexible scheduling and lower tuition rates that appeal to low-income and nontraditional students, the public remains wary. Studies indicate that most programs with no positive return on investment are at for-profit colleges. Meanwhile, stricter government scrutiny and the widespread availability of earnings and debt data have made poor outcomes highly visible, solidifying the negative perception. Many for-profit universities have shuttered, though some have managed to retain profit by closing physical locations. For-profit universities will continue facing a decline over the next five years. IBISWorld expects for-profit university enrollment to drop at an annualized 1.1% through 2030, outpaced by modest growth at nonprofit and vocational schools, where graduates see better employment outcomes. Uncertainty in regulations, including the possible repeal of the 90/10 rule, adds more volatility, while the lack of broad student loan forgiveness will likely suppress affordability and demand. As students and job seekers prioritize educational outcomes and cost, one in seven for-profit universities is expected to close by 2030. For-profit universities' revenue is set to sink at a CAGR of 0.3% to an estimated $13.4 billion through the next five years.

BR: Gender Parity Index (GPI): Tertiary School Enrollment: Gross data was reported at 1.317 Ratio in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.316 Ratio for 2021. BR: Gender Parity Index (GPI): Tertiary School Enrollment: Gross data is updated yearly, averaging 1.107 Ratio from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2022, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.317 Ratio in 2022 and a record low of 0.599 Ratio in 1970. BR: Gender Parity Index (GPI): Tertiary School Enrollment: Gross data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.World Bank.WDI: Social: Education Statistics. Gender parity index for gross enrollment ratio in tertiary education is the ratio of women to men enrolled at tertiary level in public and private schools.;UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). UIS.Stat Bulk Data Download Service. Accessed April 5, 2025. https://apiportal.uis.unesco.org/bdds.;Weighted average;

Students from the Chinese ethnic group had the highest entry rate into higher education in every year from 2006 to 2024.

Indonesia: Tertiary school enrollment, percent of all eligible children: The latest value from 2023 is 45.14 percent, an increase from 42.63 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 40.35 percent, based on data from 63 countries. Historically, the average for Indonesia from 1970 to 2023 is 16.01 percent. The minimum value, 2.32 percent, was reached in 1977 while the maximum of 45.14 percent was recorded in 2023.

In the academic year of 2023/24, around 21 million students were enrolled for undergraduate degrees in the United States. This was a slight increase from the previous year, when 20.6 million students were enrolled as undergraduates.

Endowment returns for many universities skyrocketed early in the current period, largely fueled by booming private equity and hedge fund activity. In 2021, private nonprofit universities saw a staggering 684.0% jump in investment returns. In contrast, public universities, which typically hold smaller endowments invested more in US equities and fixed-income assets, experienced more modest gains. Meanwhile, inflation and rising interest rates in 2022 reversed the boom for private nonprofits, while public universities' endowments' focus on fixed-income assets stabilized their returns. Skyrocketing investment returns bolstered surpluses, but rising wage expenditures among expanding staff sizes have since brought down profit. Revenue has been sinking at a CAGR of 1.3% over the five years through 2025 to an estimated $591.1 billion despite an expected 0.7% rise in 2025 alone. Colleges and universities are contending with sluggish enrollment growth. Lackluster job placement rates and the highly publicized student debt crisis have made many potential students skeptical of a college degree's return on investment. With judicial reviews rendering the Biden administration's efforts to ease the burden of student debt unsuccessful, student loans remain a major deterrent for consumers. Many have instead opted for cheaper trade schools with reliable connections to employers. Community colleges' affordable prices are also making them a larger competitive threat to four-year universities. In response, universities are hiring capable staff and ramping up marketing campaigns to promote the value of their degree programs. Mounting automation will encourage many to enroll in a university to switch to a new field with more job security. Student loans will become more attractive as inflation stabilizes and the Federal Reserve continues to lower interest rates, encouraging traditional university enrollment. Still, the Trump administration's end to student debt forgiveness initiatives will lead to more price sensitivity among potential students, intensifying competition both between universities and with other cheaper options for postsecondary education. The new budget reconciliation bill will also impose both benefits and challenges for universities, including higher taxes on endowments, lower graduate program borrowing limits and tightened gainful employment rules. International students will remain a valuable revenue stream, especially as legislative changes in Canada promote higher education in the US with students from overseas. Revenue is set to swell at a CAGR of 0.7% to an estimated $610.8 billion through the end of 2030.

School enrollment, tertiary (% gross) in Vietnam was reported at 42.22 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Vietnam - School enrollment, tertiary (% gross) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.