First-Generation and Low-Income Students Boost College Application Numbers

Despite ongoing discussions among Americans about the significance of higher education, college applications continue to rise significantly. A recent report from Common App, an online platform that facilitates applications to over 1,150 colleges and universities, highlights this trend.

The data indicates that during the 2025-2026 academic cycle, 1.5 million students submitted in excess of 10.7 million college applications. This represents a 6 percent increase from the previous year, underscoring the sustained demand for higher education.

Driving this growth are students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, alongside those coming from low-income backgrounds. Their participation not only boosts application figures but also increases diversity within college populations.