A new study from Michigan State University estimates that roughly 280,000 autistic students are currently enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, a figure three to five times higher than earlier estimates.
The findings reveal a large and often unseen population of autistic students on college campuses and highlight the need for better data to inform policy, funding and student support. Researchers say institutions have an opportunity to better support neurodiverse learners and create clearer pathways to resources and services.
“For years, we’ve known more autistic students were going to college — we just didn’t know how many,” said Brad Cox, an associate professor in the MSU College of Education who researches college student success and autism. “What this shows is that this is not a small or niche population. These students are already part of our campuses.”