New federal enrollment data analyzed by Hechinger and other outlets show complex outcomes after the Supreme Court’s 2023 end to race‑conscious admissions: many highly selective institutions reported drops in Black and Hispanic first‑year students, while public flagships on average saw increases in underrepresented enrollments. At the same time, nationwide demographic shifts and declining application rates are making admission more attainable at many institutions. Experts say some colleges over‑corrected their admissions practices amid legal and political pressure, producing 'cascading' enrollment changes where high‑scoring underrepresented students enrolled at less selective schools. The dynamics are reshaping recruitment strategies, yield management, and diversity initiatives across the sector.