Deadline update, 2024–2025: First-year application trends through February 1

By February 1, 2025, there were 1,358,794 first-year applicants, submitting a total of 8,289,409 applications. This marks a 4% increase in applicants and a 6% rise in application volume compared to the prior year. Students applied to an average of 6.10 colleges, up slightly from 6.01.

Key findings include:

• First-generation applicants increased by 13%, while continuing-generation applicants remained unchanged.
• Low-income indicators were up. Applicants from below median income ZIP codes rose 8%. The number of students eligible for a Common App fee waiver increased by 9%.
• Domestic applicants increased by 5%, while international applicant numbers remained stable.
• Applications to public institutions grew by 10%, compared to 2% for private institutions.