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 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.

In 2022, **** percent of higher education students in the United States were taking exclusively distance learning courses. A further **** percent of students were taking at least some distance learning courses. For both of these groups, this is a decrease from the previous year, demonstrating the declining impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graph and download economic data for Ratio of Female to Male Tertiary School Enrollment for the United States (SEENRTERTFMZSUSA) from 1971 to 2022 about enrolled, ratio, tertiary schooling, females, males, education, and USA.

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.

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.

In 2022, there were over **** million students enrolled in public high schools in California, the highest figure in the United States. This is in comparison to the District of Columbia, which had ****** students enrolled in public high schools.

In the United States, more students tend to be enrolled in public schools than in private schools. In 2022, about 15.8 million students were enrolled in public high schools, compared to 1.36 million who were enrolled in private high schools.

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Student Information System Market Size 2024-2028

The student information system market size is forecast to increase by USD 13.05 billion, at a CAGR of 20.56% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant shifts, driven by the increasing prevalence of replacement activities as institutions seek to modernize their legacy systems. This trend is fueled by technological advancements, particularly in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which offers enhanced capabilities for data analysis and personalized learning experiences. These newer systems offer improved functionality, better user interfaces, and more robust features that align with the evolving needs of educational institutions, including test preparation. However, the implementation of these advanced systems poses a challenge: a lack of adequately trained users. Institutions must invest in employee education and development to effectively leverage these new tools and ensure a smooth transition.
This dual dynamic of replacement activities and the need for user training presents both opportunities and challenges for market participants. Companies that can effectively address these issues, offering comprehensive implementation support and ongoing training programs, will be well-positioned to capitalize on the market's potential for growth.

What will be the Size of the Student Information System Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2018-2022 and forecasts 2024-2028 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic market activities shaping its applications across various sectors. Seamless integration of features such as attendance tracking, security audits, data visualization, technical support, exam management, customizable dashboards, curriculum management, communication modules, data migration, user experience (UX), and student support services, among others, is paramount. These systems are increasingly adopting cloud-based platforms for mobility and accessibility, while maintaining data encryption for security. Automated workflows streamline student enrollment and financial aid management, with real-time data and reporting and analytics providing valuable insights. Integration APIs enable seamless third-party integrations, while single sign-on (SSO) and notification systems enhance user experience.

Access control, fee management, and system maintenance ensure efficient operations. Performance monitoring and system updates keep the software current, with faculty portals and API documentation catering to the unique needs of educators. UX and accessibility compliance adhere to evolving industry standards. Continuous system enhancements address the ever-changing needs of educational institutions, ensuring a comprehensive solution for managing student information.

How is this Student Information System Industry segmented?

The student information system industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

End-user

  Higher education
  K-12


Deployment

  On-premises
  Cloud based


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

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

The higher education market is experiencing notable growth due to the rising demand for advanced data management and analytical tools. Institutions are investing heavily in data warehousing, analytics, and business intelligence, enabling the integration of student information systems with learning analytics and visualization software. This empowers administrative staff and faculty with the ability to manage and update data more efficiently. Key features of student information systems, such as parent portals, student enrollment, automated workflow, financial aid management, performance monitoring, reporting and analytics, and student portals, are increasingly essential for educational institutions. Integration APIs, data encryption, single sign-on, notification systems, access control, fee management, mobile accessibility, progress tracking, and customizable dashboards are critical components that enhance user experience and streamline processes.

Course management, scheduling systems, real-time data, attendance tracking, security audits, data visualization, technical support, exam management, and curriculum management are additional features that cater to the evolving needs of educational institutions. Compliance with accessibility standards and data security regulations is also a priority for companies, ensuring the protection of sensit

Over the past five years, language instruction centers in the United States have contended with significant challenges, including demographic changes, evolving immigration trends and economic pressures. Birth rates and skepticism about higher education have weighed on K-12 and college enrollment, reducing instructors' market size. Although immigration rebounded after pandemic-era restrictions were lifted in 2022, stricter border policies and record deportations have limited demand for English instruction. Inflation in 2022 and 2023 severely constrained discretionary spending, pushing many to opt for lower-cost learning options, especially language learning apps. Still, the growing popularity of international travel is supporting language learning, with some travelers still attracted to traditional instruction centers. However, competing language learning apps have consumed much of this demand, fueling traditional instructors' decline. Language instructors' revenue has been dropping at a CAGR of 2.7% to an estimated $1.7 billion over the five years through 2025 despite a slight uptick of 0.2% in 2025 alone. Competition from language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel has fundamentally reshaped language instruction. Duolingo’s company-wide revenue exploded from $161.7 million in 2020 to $748.0 million in 2024, driven by its user-friendly, gamified platform that appeals to busy and price-conscious learners. Enhanced by AI and improved audio technology, these apps now deliver measurable learning outcomes that erode the traditional primary advantage of classroom instruction. While large companies like Rosetta Stone have shifted to app-based models, smaller language centers often cannot match software developers’ resources or reach. Traditional language instructors are seeking to adapt by focusing on motivated demographics, like job seekers, struggling students and immigrants seeking rapid English fluency, while experimenting with online group tutoring to stay competitive. Stronger immigration and rising international student numbers over the next five years will support in-person English instruction, dampening losses. As wages climb and discretionary budgets rebound, premium language centers may attract more consumers, but aggressive price competition from apps will continue to restrain instructors' profit. Schools that invest in personalized, effective instruction will be best positioned to justify premium pricing, though staffing costs may rise. Ultimately, while apps will dominate the market for casual users, traditional centers will remain afloat by emphasizing immersive, job-focused outcomes and leveraging their reputations to meet the needs of a diversifying population. Language instructors' revenue is set to sink at a CAGR of 0.1% to an estimated $1.7 billion through the end of 2030.

Over the past five years, careers in cosmetology have proven remarkably resilient despite broad economic challenges. Inflation forced many consumers to cut back on discretionary spending, yet beauty services thrived, with hair and nail salons' revenue surging 8.7% in 2022 alone while the consumer price index jumped at a near-record high of 8.0%. Salons' growth is closely tied to the "lipstick effect," where consumers facing economic hardship treat themselves to affordable luxuries like beauty treatments instead of larger purchases. Beauty schools have seen substantial enrollment gains and strong revenue growth as high demand among employers creates job growth in the field, encouraging adults to pursue a career in cosmetology. Cosmetology schools' revenue has been surging at a CAGR of 4.2% to an estimated $2.4 billion over the five years through 2025, including an estimated rise of 2.7% in 2025 alone. Demand for cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians has remained strong, lifting wages and improving job prospects for new graduates. The enduring "lipstick effect" has helped insulate beauty professionals from broader job market volatility and automation fears that concern workers in many other fields. As consumers with strained discretionary budgets continue to prioritize self-care, career changers and young adults increasingly turn to cosmetology for its quick training pathways, creative opportunities and recession-resistant qualities. Rising competition for skilled technicians has prompted employers to raise salaries, further fueling interest in beauty school programs and sustaining high enrollment despite concerns over tuition costs and student debt. High demand for cosmetology training has dampened competition between beauty schools, giving them more control over prices and elevating profit. Cosmetology schools are set for more modest growth over the next five years. Demand for specialized treatments and nail care will be especially high, prompting beauty schools to update curricula for trends like digital nail art and advanced skin rejuvenation. Changing licensing requirements may also impact student volumes and force schools to focus on programs with more favorable legislation. While entry-level pay is expected to remain modest, cosmetology employers' relative immunity to automation, opportunities for specialization and consistently strong performance will keep careers in beauty appealing and fuel revenue growth for cosmetology schools. Beauty schools' revenue is set to climb at a CAGR of 0.7% to an estimated $2.5 billion through the end of 2030.

According to a survey conducted in 2022, more women than men said that the cost of the degree or program was a very important reason to why they are not currently enrolled in the United States, with ** percent of surveyed women sharing this belief. Women were also more likely than men to say that emotional stress, childcare responsibilities, and personal mental health reasons were very important reasons as to why they are not currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program.

In 2021, about 20.6 percent of postsecondary students in the United States were Hispanic. This is a slight increase from 20.3 percent in the previous year. In that same year, White students made up more than half of postsecondary students, at 53.4 percent.

In an impressive increase from years past, 39 percent of women in the United States had completed four years or more of college in 2022. This figure is up from 3.8 percent of women in 1940. A significant increase can also be seen in males, with 36.2 percent of the U.S. male population having completed four years or more of college in 2022, up from 5.5 percent in 1940.

4- and 2-year colleges

In the United States, college students are able to choose between attending a 2-year postsecondary program and a 4-year postsecondary program. Generally, attending a 2-year program results in an Associate’s Degree, and 4-year programs result in a Bachelor’s Degree.

Many 2-year programs are designed so that attendees can transfer to a college or university offering a 4-year program upon completing their Associate’s. Completion of a 4-year program is the generally accepted standard for entry-level positions when looking for a job.

Earnings after college

Factors such as gender, degree achieved, and the level of postsecondary education can have an impact on employment and earnings later in life. Some Bachelor’s degrees continue to attract more male students than female, particularly in STEM fields, while liberal arts degrees such as education, languages and literatures, and communication tend to see higher female attendance.

All of these factors have an impact on earnings after college, and despite nearly the same rate of attendance within the American population between males and females, men with a Bachelor’s Degree continue to have higher weekly earnings on average than their female counterparts.

In the academic year 2023/24, there were 331,602 international students from India studying in the United States. International students The majority of international students studying in the United States are originally from India and China, totaling 331,602 students and 277,398 students respectively in the 2023/24 school year. In 2022/23, there were 467,027 international graduate students , which accounted for over one third of the international students in the country. Typically, engineering and math & computer science programs were among the most common fields of study for these students. The United States is home to many world-renowned schools, most notably, the Ivy League Colleges which provide education that is sought after by both foreign and local students. International students and college Foreign students in the United States pay some of the highest fees in the United States, with an average of 24,914 U.S. dollars. American students attending a college in New England paid an average of 14,900 U.S. dollars for tuition alone and there were about 79,751 international students in Massachusetts . Among high-income families, U.S. students paid an average of 34,700 U.S. dollars for college, whereas the average for all U.S. families reached only 28,026 U.S. dollars. Typically, 40 percent of families paid for college tuition through parent income and savings, while 29 percent relied on grants and scholarships.

In 2022, about 66 percent of female high school completers and 57.2 percent of male high school completers enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college in the fall immediately following their graduation from high school in the United States. For females, this was a decrease from the previous year, when almost 70 percent enrolled in college immediately after completing high school.

In the United States, taking out student loans to attend higher education has become a controversial course of action. In 2022, ** percent of adults perceived taking out student loans in order to afford higher education in the United States as a financial risk. In contrast, ** percent of adults said it was a good long-term investment.

Biden’s pause on payments

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration allowed for a pause on student loan payments which was extended to June 2023. It has since become clear that many adults in the U.S. will struggle to resume student loan payments, with 30 percent of U.S. adults reporting that they probably would not be able to afford to make payments towards their student loans once the pause expires. In addition, 60 percent of adults in the U.S. said that resuming payments towards their student loans would have a major impact on their financial security. Although President Biden has advocated for a student loan forgiveness plan to ease the transition into resuming student loan payments by first forgiving up to ****** U.S. dollars in student debt for many Americans, this plan came under criticism by conservative groups who have attacked the implementation of the policy in courts. In 2022, only a quarter of Republicans believed that student loan debt was a very serious problem, compared to over half of Democrats.

Affordability of higher education in America

Although many in the U.S. perceive the value of attending higher education as a pathway to a successful career, only **** percent of surveyed Americans believed that everyone in the U.S. had access to a quality, affordable education after high school if they wanted it. 36 percent of Americans who said that they definitely could not afford to resume student loan payments reported owing ****** to 100,000 U.S. dollars, which can amount to the cost of just one semester of college in the United States. Despite declining enrollment numbers in higher education institutions, colleges fees remain costly and younger Americans have started to question whether taking out student loans is worth the risk. U.S. adults aged 18 to 44 years old as well as those who earned under ****** U.S. dollars were both found less likely to believe that taking out student loans to attend higher education was worth it.

There were 1,126,690 international students studying in the United States in the 2023/24 academic year. This is an increase from the previous year, when 1,057,188 international students were studying in the United States.