College enrollment among NYC students hits record high

A record number of New York City high school students are enrolling in college, according to the city. Photo by Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photography Office

By Jonathan Sperling

The number of New York City high school students enrolling in college has reached a historic high, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced Thursday.

A total of 48,782 students who graduated high school in 2018 enrolled in college afterward — that’s an increase of approximately 8,000 students since the start of De Blasio’s administration and an increase of approximately 3,600 students compared to the previous year.

The 48,782 students make up 62 percent of New York City’s Class of 2018.

Carranza credited the elimination of college application fees as part of the reason behind the increase in college enrollment.

“The numbers are in and the results are clear: in New York City, more students are enrolling in college and on a path to success. Our schools are assisting at every turn by building college and career-ready cultures, eliminating barriers such as application fees, and helping students directly apply,” Carranza said.

Carranza also touted the Department of Education’s The Equity and Excellence for All initiative, which aims to ensure that every high school has resources for students to graduate with a college and career plan, and that every middle school is providing students with early exposure to college campuses and school-based events promoting higher education.