Enrollment Increases In Community Colleges & Universities

Enrollment at Tennessee’s public community colleges and universities increased this fall, according to fourteenth-day data released by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The institutions reported 228,352 students, up 2,933 students, or 1.3%, from the same point last fall.

First-time freshman enrollment increased 3.9% statewide, from 39,771 to 41,310 students. Community colleges reported a 3.6% increase in first-time freshmen.

Other findings from the fall 2026 data include....Community college enrollment increased 1.9%, and University enrollment increased 1.0% to 148,310 students. 

The figures cover Tennessee’s 13 public community colleges and 11 public universities, they do not include the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology or private institutions whose figures are still pending and are expected later this fall.

The fourteenth-day census is an early snapshot. Most public institutions offer courses that begin later in the semester, so their enrollment totals may grow by the end of the term.