Key takeaways:
- There are 5,626 postsecondary Title IV institutions in the United States as of 2024-25, according to the NCES IPEDS.
- 2,609 institutions award a bachelor’s degree or higher to their students.
- California has the most postsecondary Title IV institutions of any state, at 613.
Flickr user Will Hart
Thinking about pursuing higher education? Lucky for you, you have thousands of schools to choose from (even though there are fewer now than in the past). Below, we break down how many colleges there are in the United States and explain why nearly 1,500 schools have disappeared since 2010-11.
How many colleges are in the U.S.?
As of the 2024-25 academic year, there are 5,626 postsecondary Title IV institutions in the United States eligible to award federal student aid, according to the National Center for Education Statistic’s (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This includes 2,609 colleges and universities that offer a bachelor’s degree or higher.
This table breaks it down by type:
| Type of School | Number of Postsecondary Title IV Institutions |
| Public | 1,869 |
| Private nonprofit | 1,674 |
| Private for-profit | 2,083 |
| Total | 5,626 |
| Non-degree-granting | 1,824 |
| 2-year | 1,193 |
| 4-year or higher | 2,609 |
| Total | 5,916 |
Why does the number change each year?
During the 2010-11 academic year, there were 7,021 postsecondary Title IV institutions in the United States – and 5,916 in 2020-21. While the number of schools rose until 2012-13, with 7,253 schools, it began dropping the following year. The biggest drop offs occurred in 2016-17 and 2018-19, which saw around 400 institutions disappear each year.
The number of colleges in the United States changes each year due to mergers, acquisitions, and closures. Schools often close or merge with another due to financial concerns. With a declining birthrate, there are fewer students entering college, which can make keeping the doors open difficult, especially for smaller schools. Federal regulations on for-profit institutions and COVID-19 have also played a role.
What state has the most colleges?
California has the most postsecondary Title IV institutions with 613 schools, which includes 150 4-year or higher colleges and universities, as of 2024-25. New York and Texas came in a distant second and third at 395 and 383 respectively. Wyoming and Alaska come in last, with only 10 postsecondary institutions each.
With over 5,500 colleges, universities, and institutions to select from, the choice can be overwhelming. Thankfully, you don’t have to compare and research every single one. By choosing a major, region, interests, goals, and more, you can narrow it down – and College Raptor can help. Sign up for College Match to find some of the best schools for you – it’s free!
