Undergraduate enrollment rose again this fall, driven by gains at community colleges and in short-term credential programs. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center and reporting from higher-education outlets show a preliminary 2.4% increase in undergraduate enrollment, with community colleges up about 4% and certificate programs climbing 6.6%. Colleges reported the biggest growth in career-focused fields—mechanic and repair technologies, health professions and engineering technologies—signaling students’ pivot to workforce-aligned pathways. Institutions and workforce partners will need to scale advising, assessment and credential articulation to manage the surge in nondegree and two-year enrollments. Graduate enrollment held roughly flat, with master’s programs down modestly and doctoral enrollments ticking up, a split that could reshape graduate recruitment and program investment strategies next year. Admissions and registrar offices should expect continued pressure on capacity in high-demand certificate and associate pathways and plan budget and staffing adjustments accordingly.