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By December 1, 1,158,805 first-year applicants had submitted 6,237,325 applications to 916 colleges and universities—a 4% increase in applicants and a 9% rise in total applications compared to the same point last year. Students applied to an average of 5.38 colleges, up from 5.15, continuing a steady upward trend that reflects students broadening their options in an increasingly competitive landscape.
"Low-income applicants' growth outpaces their peers," the report states, with students reporting eligibility for Common App fee waivers growing 9% compared to just 2% among those not reporting fee waiver eligibility.
The data reveal widening participation among historically underrepresented groups. "Growth in applicants from below-median income ZIP codes continued to outpace their peers at 11% growth compared to this point in 2024-25 (versus 3%)," according to the report, which analyzes application trends through one of the most significant early deadlines in the college admissions calendar.
First-generation college applicants—defined as students whose parents have not obtained a bachelor's degree—increased 11% year-over-year, representing one of the sharpest demographic shifts in the data. By comparison, continuing-generation applicants grew just 1%.
"First-generation applicants continue to grow," the report emphasizes, noting the trend represents a significant expansion in college access efforts across institutions.
The geographic reach of these gains extended particularly to rural America. "The growth rate in applicants was greatest from rural areas," with rural applicants growing 13%, compared to 5% growth from metropolitan areas. Small town and micropolitan regions saw growth of 10% and 9% respectively, though metropolitan areas continue to account for the vast majority of the applicant pool.
