In the serene quad of Southern New Hampshire University, you won’t find the bustling crowds typical of a campus housing over 130,000 students. That’s because the vast majority of SNHU’s student body—nearly 95%—attend classes online. This institution, which has seen its enrollment skyrocket by an astounding 157% over the past five years, exemplifies a seismic shift occurring in American higher education.
As traditional ivy-covered walls give way to virtual classrooms, and century-old institutions find themselves competing with nimble online upstarts, the landscape of higher education in America is undergoing a profound transformation. This change is reflected most starkly in the roster of the nation’s fastest-growing colleges—a list that challenges many long-held assumptions about the nature and future of higher education.
The New Faces of Growth in Higher Education
The story of growth in American colleges and universities is no longer simply about expanding campuses and rising freshman classes. It’s a tale of technological disruption, changing demographics, and evolving student needs. To understand this changing landscape, we conducted an extensive analysis of enrollment and revenue data from institutions across the country. The results paint a picture of a sector in flux, with clear winners emerging from the turmoil.
Top 50 Fastest Growing Colleges In America
Let’s start by looking at the top performers:
| Rank | Institution | Category | Enrollment Growth (5-year) | Revenue Growth (5-year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern New Hampshire University | Private Non-Profit | 157.3% | 95.6% |
| 2 | Western Governors University | Private Non-Profit | 92.4% | 76.2% |
| 3 | Grand Canyon University | For-Profit | 41.2% | 37.8% |
| 4 | Liberty University | Private Non-Profit | 21.7% | 34.8% |
| 5 | Arizona State University | Public | 15.2% | 27.8% |
| 6 | Texas A&M University | Public | 14.6% | 31.2% |
| 7 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Private Non-Profit | 25.6% | 19.3% |
| 8 | Purdue University Global | Public | 18.7% | 22.5% |
| 9 | Florida International University | Public | 8.7% | 22.1% |
| 10 | University of Central Florida | Public | 9.8% | 23.7% |
| 11 | Northeastern University | Private Non-Profit | 18.2% | 24.7% |
| 12 | Georgia State University | Public | 10.2% | 18.7% |
| 13 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Public | 13.5% | 16.9% |
| 14 | Nova Southeastern University | Private Non-Profit | 15.3% | 18.9% |
| 15 | Strayer University | For-Profit | 12.3% | 22.6% |
| 16 | Utah Valley University | Public | 11.1% | 17.8% |
| 17 | Florida Atlantic University | Public | 9.4% | 19.2% |
| 18 | University of Texas at Arlington | Public | 8.9% | 18.5% |
| 19 | California State University, Northridge | Public | 7.8% | 16.7% |
| 20 | American Public University System | For-Profit | 9.7% | 15.4% |
| 21 | University of North Texas | Public | 7.2% | 15.9% |
| 22 | George Mason University | Public | 6.8% | 14.7% |
| 23 | San Diego State University | Public | 6.5% | 13.8% |
| 24 | University of South Florida | Public | 6.3% | 14.2% |
| 25 | University of Washington | Public | 7.1% | 25.6% |
| 26 | Ohio State University | Public | 4.8% | 20.3% |
| 27 | University of Michigan | Public | 5.3% | 28.4% |
| 28 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Private Non-Profit | 12.7% | 22.4% |
| 29 | Florida State University | Public | 5.7% | 13.5% |
| 30 | University of California, Irvine | Public | 5.5% | 12.9% |
| 31 | Texas State University | Public | 5.2% | 12.7% |
| 32 | University of Texas at Dallas | Public | 4.9% | 11.8% |
| 33 | University of California, Riverside | Public | 4.7% | 11.5% |
| 34 | Colorado State University Global | Public | 8.3% | 14.6% |
| 35 | Full Sail University | For-Profit | 7.9% | 13.8% |
| 36 | Capella University | For-Profit | 7.8% | 14.2% |
| 37 | New York University | Private Non-Profit | 9.8% | 17.6% |
| 38 | University of Southern California | Private Non-Profit | 7.2% | 23.4% |
| 39 | Boston University | Private Non-Profit | 6.8% | 15.9% |
| 40 | Drexel University | Private Non-Profit | 6.5% | 14.7% |
| 41 | University of Cincinnati | Public | 4.2% | 10.8% |
| 42 | University of Colorado Boulder | Public | 4.0% | 10.5% |
| 43 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Public | 3.8% | 10.2% |
| 44 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Public | 3.7% | 9.9% |
| 45 | University of Arizona | Public | 3.5% | 9.7% |
| 46 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Public | 3.3% | 9.4% |
| 47 | Pennsylvania State University | Public | 3.2% | 9.2% |
| 48 | University of Utah | Public | 3.0% | 8.9% |
| 49 | Virginia Tech | Public | 2.8% | 8.7% |
| 50 | North Carolina State University | Public | 2.7% | 8.5% |
This table reveals several surprising trends:
- The Online Revolution: The top two fastest-growing institutions—Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University—are primarily online schools. Their astronomical growth rates dwarf those of traditional institutions.
- Non-Profit Dominance: Despite years of headlines about the rise of for-profit colleges, it’s non-profit institutions that dominate the top of our growth charts.
- Public Powerhouses: Large public universities like Arizona State University are showing impressive growth, demonstrating that traditional state schools can innovate and expand rapidly.
- For-Profit Presence: While not leading the pack, for-profit institutions like Grand Canyon University are still showing strong growth, despite regulatory challenges in recent years.
Public Institutions: Innovation at Scale
Public universities have long been the workhorses of American higher education, educating the majority of college students. In recent years, many have found innovative ways to grow their reach and impact.
As we can see from the chart, public institutions have shown steady, if not spectacular, growth in enrollment. But the story becomes more interesting when we look at revenue growth:
The fact that revenue growth outpaces enrollment growth suggests that public institutions are finding ways to increase their income beyond simply admitting more students. This could be through increased research funding, higher tuition rates, or expanded auxiliary services.
Let’s look at some standout performers in the public sector:
- Texas A&M University: With a 14.6% increase in enrollment and a 31.2% boost in revenue over five years, Texas A&M exemplifies the potential for growth in large state universities. The institution has focused on expanding its research capabilities and improving its national rankings, attracting both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Arizona State University: ASU has become synonymous with innovation in public higher education. Under the leadership of President Michael Crow, the university has pursued a “New American University” model, emphasizing accessibility, research, and entrepreneurship. This approach has yielded a 15.2% enrollment growth and a 27.8% revenue increase.
- University of Central Florida: UCF has leveraged its location in Orlando and partnerships with local industries to fuel growth. With a focus on serving a diverse student body and offering flexible learning options, UCF has seen its enrollment grow by 9.8% and revenue by 23.7%.
Private Non-Profit Institutions: The New Growth Leaders
Perhaps the most surprising finding of our study is the dominance of private non-profit institutions in the growth rankings. These schools, once thought of as slow to change, have proven remarkably adaptable in the face of new educational paradigms.
The standout performers in this category are primarily online or hybrid institutions:
- Southern New Hampshire University: SNHU’s growth is nothing short of phenomenal. With a 157.3% increase in enrollment and a 95.6% rise in revenue over five years, SNHU has redefined what’s possible in higher education growth. The university’s success stems from its early and aggressive entry into online education, coupled with innovative approaches to curriculum design and student support.
- Western Governors University: Another online powerhouse, WGU has grown its enrollment by 92.4% and its revenue by 76.2%. WGU’s competency-based education model, which allows students to progress at their own pace, has proven particularly attractive to working adults seeking to advance their careers.
- Liberty University: While not purely online, Liberty has leveraged distance learning to achieve impressive growth, with enrollment up 21.7% and revenue increasing by 34.8%. The university’s conservative Christian identity has helped it carve out a distinct niche in the online education market.
For-Profit Institutions: A Sector in Transition
The for-profit higher education sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, including increased regulatory scrutiny and public skepticism. However, some institutions in this category continue to show strong growth:
- Grand Canyon University: GCU stands out with 41.2% enrollment growth and 37.8% revenue growth. The university has successfully navigated the transition from for-profit to non-profit status, maintaining a strong online presence while also investing in its physical campus.
- Strayer University: With more modest but still significant growth (12.3% in enrollment, 22.6% in revenue), Strayer has focused on serving working adult students through online and blended learning models.
- American Public University System: APUS has leveraged its focus on military and public service professionals to achieve 9.7% enrollment growth and 15.4% revenue growth.
However, the for-profit sector also includes cautionary tales. The University of Phoenix, once the poster child for growth in this sector, has seen dramatic declines, with enrollment dropping by 37.2% and revenue by 41.3% over five years.
Factors Driving Growth
Our analysis reveals several key factors driving growth in higher education:
- Online Education: The most rapidly growing institutions have all made significant investments in online learning.
- Focus on Adult Learners: Many of the fastest-growing schools have tailored their offerings to working adults seeking career advancement.
- Innovative Pedagogical Models: Competency-based education and adaptive learning technologies are allowing for more personalized learning experiences.
- Strategic Use of Data: Top-performing institutions are leveraging data analytics to improve student recruitment, retention, and success rates.
- Brand Building: Successful institutions have invested heavily in marketing and brand-building.
- Partnerships: Many growing institutions have formed strategic partnerships with employers, community colleges, and tech companies.
The Financial Picture
One of the most striking findings of our study is the divergence between enrollment growth and revenue growth across all categories of institutions. In nearly every case, revenue growth outpaces enrollment growth, often by a significant margin.
This trend suggests several possibilities:
- Tuition Increases: Institutions may be raising tuition rates faster than they’re growing enrollment.
- Diversified Revenue Streams: Many schools are finding new sources of income beyond tuition.
- Improved Retention: By keeping students enrolled longer, institutions can increase revenue without necessarily growing their incoming class size.
- More Full-Time Students: A shift from part-time to full-time enrollment could increase revenue faster than overall enrollment numbers.
The Changing Definition of “College”
As we examine these growth trends, it becomes clear that the very definition of “college” is evolving. The fastest-growing institutions often bear little resemblance to the traditional four-year, residential model that has dominated American higher education for centuries.
Instead, we’re seeing the rise of institutions that are:
- Primarily or entirely online
- Focused on adult and non-traditional students
- Offering flexible, self-paced, or accelerated programs
- Emphasizing career-oriented curricula
- Leveraging technology for personalized learning experiences
Implications for Stakeholders
The trends revealed in our study have far-reaching implications for various stakeholders in higher education:
- For Students and Parents: Greater choice and flexibility, but also a need for careful evaluation of institutions and programs.
- For Educators and Administrators: A challenge to traditional academic models and a need to adapt to new pedagogical approaches and technologies.
- For Policymakers: A call for reevaluation of accreditation processes, financial aid policies, and regulatory frameworks.
- For Employers: A need to reassess hiring criteria and partnerships with educational institutions.
Challenges and Controversies
The rapid growth of some institutions has not been without controversy. Critics raise several concerns:
- Quality Control: Can institutions maintaining such rapid growth ensure consistent educational quality?
- Student Outcomes: Are students at these rapidly growing institutions achieving good learning outcomes and post-graduation success?
- Financial Sustainability: Is the current growth model sustainable, or are we seeing a higher education “bubble”?
- Equity and Access: While online education can increase access, there are concerns about digital divides and the loss of support structures that traditional campuses provide.
- Cultural Impact: What is lost when the traditional residential college experience becomes less common?
Looking to the Future
As we look ahead, several trends seem likely to shape the future of higher education:
- Continued Growth of Online and Hybrid Models: Digital learning will play an increasingly central role in higher education.
- Personalization at Scale: Advances in technology will enable more personalized learning experiences, even in large institutions.
- Lifelong Learning: We’re likely to see a greater emphasis on continuing education and lifelong learning models.
- Unbundling of Educational Services: Institutions may increasingly allow students to pick and choose individual courses, certifications, and services.
- Global Competition: As online education erases geographical boundaries, institutions will increasingly compete on a global scale.
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence: AI is likely to play a growing role in both the administration of educational institutions and the learning process itself.
Editors Note
The higher education landscape in America is undergoing a profound transformation, with online institutions and innovative models driving much of the enrollment growth in recent years. Here are some key trends that emerge from the data:
Online Education is Fueling Growth
- Top Performers: The top two fastest-growing institutions, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Western Governors University (WGU), are primarily online. SNHU’s enrollment skyrocketed by 157%, and WGU’s by 92% over five years.
- Overall Impact: Around 10 million college students took at least one distance education course in fall 2022, highlighting the significant impact of online education.
Non-Profit and Public Institutions Dominate
- Leading the Growth: Despite the rise of for-profit colleges, non-profit schools, both private and public, are leading the growth charts. Large public universities like Arizona State and Texas A&M posted enrollment increases of 15% and 14%, respectively.
Community Colleges Are Bouncing Back
- Enrollment Rebound: After steep declines during the pandemic, community college enrollment grew by 4.7% (+200,000 students) in spring 2024, accounting for over half of the total undergraduate gains.
- Diverse Student Base: Schools are seeing more dual-enrolled high school students as well as older adult learners.
Total Enrollment Still Lags Pre-Pandemic Levels
- Recent Growth: Undergraduate enrollment rose by 2.5% in spring 2024, marking the second straight semester of growth.
- Current Figures: The overall college enrollment rate for 18-24 year-olds was 39% in 2022, down from 41% a decade earlier.
Far-Reaching Implications
- Benefits: Greater flexibility and more options, especially online, benefit students.
- Concerns: There are valid concerns around educational quality, equity, and the student experience that need to be addressed.
The Need for Adaptation and Innovation
- Evolving Definition: Traditional institutions must adapt and innovate or risk losing relevance. The very definition of “college” is evolving.
- Emerging Models: Hybrid models, competency-based learning, and partnerships with industry are likely to expand.
- Policy Reassessment: Policymakers may need to reassess accreditation and regulatory frameworks.
The trends point to an exciting but challenging future for higher education. The institutions achieving the most impressive growth are those embracing change and creatively serving the needs of today’s diverse student populations. However, rapid transformation also demands great responsibility from all stakeholders to ensure quality, equity, and value.
More Insights
The rapid transformation in higher education is vividly illustrated by the growth trajectories of the top 10 fastest-growing colleges, as depicted in the Growth Comparison Chart. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) exemplifies this shift with an astounding 157.3% increase in enrollment and a 95.6% rise in revenue, driven by its pioneering online education model. Western Governors University, with 92.4% enrollment growth and 76.2% revenue growth, further underscores the success of innovative educational approaches such as competency-based learning. Grand Canyon University, a leading for-profit institution, shows significant growth as well, with 41.2% in enrollment and 37.8% in revenue. Public institutions like Arizona State University and Texas A&M University also feature prominently, demonstrating substantial revenue growth alongside steady enrollment increases. This comparison highlights the diverse strategies employed by various institutions to achieve remarkable growth, reflecting a broader trend of adaptation and innovation in the higher education landscape.
In addition to these individual success stories, the Online vs. Traditional Institutions Chart provides a comprehensive overview of the delivery modes among the top 50 fastest-growing colleges. Traditional institutions, which account for 82% of the list, continue to play a dominant role, blending in-person and online elements to meet diverse student needs. Hybrid institutions, representing 14%, showcase the growing trend towards flexible learning models that combine the best of both worlds. Although online-only institutions comprise a smaller portion at 4%, their inclusion, led by prominent examples like SNHU and Western Governors University, underscores the significant impact of online education. This distribution emphasizes the increasing importance of digital learning while highlighting the adaptability and enduring relevance of traditional institutions in a rapidly evolving educational environment.
Conclusion
The landscape of American higher education is changing more rapidly and fundamentally than at any time since the advent of the land-grant university system in the 19th century. The fastest-growing institutions—whether they’re online giants like Southern New Hampshire University, innovative public institutions like Arizona State, or career-focused for-profits like Grand Canyon University—are those that have most successfully adapted to the changing needs and expectations of 21st-century students.
This transformation brings both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. It promises to make higher education more accessible, flexible, and aligned with workforce needs. At the same time, it raises critical questions about educational quality, the role of technology in learning, and the very purpose of higher education in our society.
As we navigate this changing landscape, one thing is clear: the future of higher education will belong to institutions that can balance innovation with academic rigor, scale with personalization, and growth with mission. The success stories highlighted in our study provide valuable lessons for how this might be achieved, but they also remind us that in education, as in any field, rapid growth brings both opportunities and responsibilities.
The coming years will be crucial in determining whether the current growth trends represent a genuine democratization of higher education or a more problematic shift towards a market-driven, potentially stratified system. As educators, policymakers, and citizens, we must engage critically with these changes to ensure that the evolving landscape of higher education serves the best interests of students, society, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Methodology Note: This analysis is based on publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics, institutional financial reports, and other reputable sources. Enrollment and revenue growth rates were calculated over a five-year period, using the most recent data available at the time of writing. Due to variations in reporting methods and fiscal years, some figures may not be directly comparable across all institutions.
References:
- National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Lederman, D. (2021). “The Fastest-Growing Colleges, 2019-20.” Inside Higher Ed.
- Christensen, C. M., & Eyring, H. J. (2011). The Innovative University: Changing the DNA of Higher Education from the Inside Out. Jossey-Bass.
- Deming, D. J., Goldin, C., Katz, L. F., & Yuchtman, N. (2015). Can Online Learning Bend the Higher Education Cost Curve? American Economic Review, 105(5), 496-501.
