First-Generation and Low-Income Students Lead College Application Surge

Students who are the first in their families to attend college and those from low-income households are significantly contributing to the rise in college applications.

Despite debates about the importance and value of higher education, a recent report indicates students continue to apply to colleges in substantial numbers. On Thursday, the Common App, an online platform facilitating applications to over 1,150 colleges and universities, released data revealing that 1.5 million students submitted more than 10.7 million applications during the 2025-2026 cycle. This marks a 6 percent increase compared to the previous year.