National College Decision Day

National College Decision Day History

National College Decision Day, also known as College Signing Day, is the culmination of the college application process and marks the commitment of prospective students to their institution of choice. Associated with anticipation and excitement, it is a pivotal moment in students' lives, reinforcing their dreams and aspiration towards higher education.

The tradition of National College Decision Day has its roots anchored in the early 1980s. Designed to bring ethics to the college decision process, it established a singular date for students to confirm their enrollment. This critical juncture ensures an organized and smooth transition for both colleges and students, balancing the demand and supply of higher education effectively.

For some students, it is a moment to honor their academic journey so far, while for others, it signals the onset of a fresh chapter of learning, exploration, and personal growth. Crucial decisions made on this day have broad, lasting implications, shaping the landscape of America's higher education sector and influencing future generations. National College Decision Day falls on May 1, reflecting the deadline adopted by most colleges and universities to receive deposit payments, symbolizing a binding agreement.

Facts about National College Decision Day

• According to College Board, the median number of college applications a high school senior will send is six.
• According to BestCelleges.com, in 2023, more than 18 million students were enrolled in degree-granting colleges and universities in the U.S.
  According to Education Data Initiative, in the spring semester of 2022, there were 20 million students enrolled in US colleges and universities. The number of enrolled students has declined 9.6% since 2010.
• According to Education Data, in the 2021-2022 academic year, nearly 60% of students enrolled in college were Women.

In the News and Trending for National College Decision Day

Top things to do for National College Decision Day

• If you have been accepted, congratulations! Read about 5 steps to take after receiving an acceptance letter.
• Make sure you are ready to commit to a college.
• Explore some myths about college.