The predictions that the lingering economic downturn would change college applications and admissions appears to have come true. A report from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) documents changes in student and college/university behaviors in the 2009 admissions cycle.

The report, “The State of College Admission 2010,” uses data from the association’s surveys of colleges and universities, the College Board’s annual survey of colleges, and the federal government.

Highlights from the report include the following findings pertaining to the transition from high school to postsecondary education in the United States.

• The number of high school graduates has peaked after a decade of growth.
• College enrollment is at an all-time high and will continue to climb through 2018.
• Racial/ethnic minorities and low-income students continue to be underrepresented in college.
• Most colleges continued to see increases in the number of applications they received while 29% of colleges reported experiencing a decrease.
• 80% of all four-year college and university applications were online.
• Colleges accepted 67% of applicants.

For more information, read “The State of College Admission 2010” report in its entirety.