Connecticut State Colleges and Universities reported a 6.7% increase in total enrollment for fall 2025, reflecting renewed interest in the state’s public higher education system after years of declining enrollment nationally.
The system’s four state universities saw total enrollment rise 9.8% over fall 2024, with Central Connecticut State University posting the largest gain at 12.7%, according to the initial census report released Wednesday.
CT State Community College, which operates 12 campuses statewide, reported a 4.3% enrollment increase. The figures include students enrolled in dual and concurrent enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college credit.
The enrollment growth comes as CSCU institutions served 12,258 students and awarded 13,316 degrees during the 2024-25 academic year.
Eastern Connecticut State University saw enrollment increase 9.6%, while Western Connecticut State University rose 9.7% and Southern Connecticut State University grew 6.9%.
“The increase in enrollment reflects our core mission of opening the doors to higher education to as many students as possible,” said O. John Maduko, CSCU interim chancellor.
Nearly 2,000 students enrolled at CSCU universities for fall 2025 through the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program, which guarantees admission to eligible Connecticut high school seniors. About 71% of students who used the program chose one of the four state universities.
Also, the Mary Ann Handley Award, launched in 2019, has provided more than $91 million in debt-free community college tuition to over 33,500 eligible students, according to CSCU.
Charter Oak State College, CSCU’s online institution, will conduct its census Oct. 31, with final enrollment data to be released afterward.
More than 80% of CSCU graduates remain in Connecticut after graduation, according to system data.