2026-2027 Admitted Student Review (ASR)
- October 5, 2026
- Paul Birza
How Admitted Students Decide Where to Enroll
Human Capital Education’s 2026-2027 Admitted Student Review draws on survey responses from more than 70,000 students admitted for fall 2026 at 91 institutions. Together, they submitted more than 420,000 applications and named 2,083 different colleges among their top choices.
The college decision process is growing more complex and it is taking longer. Fifteen percent of admitted students waited as close to the notification deadline as possible to decide, and the share who deposited at more than one college doubled, from 5% in 2024 to 10% in 2026. Meanwhile, enrollment leaders are being asked to meet more ambitious goals, often with fewer resources.
The 2026-2027 Admitted Student Review goes beyond what most leaders already sense in their daily work. Gain data-backed insight into how students make their enrollment decisions, and learn what you can do now to shape your upcoming class.
Inside the Report:
- Top enrollment decision drivers
- Financial preparation and affordability insights
- Decision timing and double-deposit trends
- Why some admitted students never enroll
- Differences by student population
- Actionable implications for enrollment leaders
This report is essential reading for higher education professionals responsible for improving yield, refining aid strategy, or strengthening enrollment messaging.