The enrollment cliff is making challenges for enrollment offices but may put stretch university within reach for prospective students
College and university enrollment offices are facing challenges beginning fall 2026 including the enrollment cliff, the drop in interest for studying in the US from international students, and the ongoing questions about the value of higher education. This means fewer students will be applying for admissions this year, resulting in admissions being a bit softer this year than in years past. Or from a student’s standpoint – the chances of being admitted into a stretch school may be better this year than in recent years.
Most schools are still test optional, meaning the admissions decision will be determined by transcripts, a letter of interest, and possibly an admissions interview.
Fall 2026 and even Spring 2027 are great intakes for students to apply for admissions to their stretch schools. There’s a push for tests to be required again starting Fall 2027, so if you want to go to a school that has competitive admissions but you either stink at tests or don’t want to take a test, now is the best time to apply. – Rachel Lowe, Admissions Counselor