In the fall of 2019, data show 250,000 fewer students were enrolled in U.S. colleges than the year before.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, nationwide college enrollment has decreased about 11% over the past eight years.
The drop in enrollment has been seen across all types of higher education institutions, though the center notes small private colleges are feeling especially strained financially.

According to the center, Florida led declines by a wide margin. The state saw a drop of 52,328 students between 2018 and 2019.
The next biggest declines were seen in New York, California, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

As to why, NPR quotes the head of the Clearinghouse as saying a strong economy is the main driver of student decline. With low unemployment, more would-be students are lured into the working world instead.

U.S. unemployment currently stands at 3.5%.Some states, however, are bucking the trend. 

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center showed an increase in enrollment this year in states such as Arizona, Georgia and Kentucky.