El Salvador has recorded a historic 16.1% increase in higher education enrollment this year, according to the National Directorate of Higher Education. The number of students enrolled in universities, specialized institutes, and technical centers rose from 195,949 in 2024 to 227,489 in 2025.
Christian Aparicio, director of Higher Education, called the increase “the highest year-on-year growth in the country’s history.” He noted that nearly 270,000 people are currently engaged in higher education, with women representing the majority.
This year’s new intake includes 42,443 students, a 7.57% rise from the previous year. In total, 126,868 women and 100,621 men are enrolled. Of these, 192,862 are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while 7,408 are in postgraduate programs. Technical and teaching tracks also saw growth, with 27,219 students enrolled.
Aparicio credited the enrollment surge to improved national security and the success of the “Súmate a la U” campaign, which encourages young people to continue their studies.
University leaders agreed. “In 30 years, we’ve never seen figures like these. This is the result of joint efforts with the Higher Education Directorate and our institutions,” said Cristina Juárez, rector of the Evangelical University of El Salvador.
Scholarship programs, including presidential and legislative grants, have also played a key role in expanding access.