First-year student enrollment in the public sector dropped sharply this fall, leaving overall undergraduate numbers to increase only slightly. However, state flagships and small regional institutions across the South are bucking this trend, shattering records in the process.
Preliminary numbers at the University of Kentucky revealed that fall undergraduate enrollment increased by 7.5% over last year and eclipsed 25,000 students. First-year students increased by 2% and set a record high of 6,571.
“Our mission—now more than at any time in our history—is to open our doors as wide as possible to more and more students, who will shape the future of this state,” University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said in a press release. “These numbers reflect our commitment to that ideal. These numbers reflect that we are Kentucky.”
Eastern Kentucky University is shattering its own records. Following 24% growth over the past four years, first-year enrollment reached 2,985 this fall, beating its previous high of 2,931 set in 2015, Herald Magazine reports. Overall enrollment increased by 4.8%.
Alabama
It’s the first time in the University of Alabama’s history that total fall enrollment has peaked over 40,000. First-year student enrollment hit a record-high 3,434; among in-state freshmen, this represents a 7.9% increase in enrollment and sixth consecutive year of growth.
The state flagship credited these benchmarks to its expanding research, distinct campus experience and workforce preparation opportunities. Something must also be said of the state’s dual enrollment initiative. With statewide university enrollment up 2.6% over last year, dual-enrolled high school students make up 4.9% of this share, AL.com reports.
University of West Alabama and Alabama A&M University have also seen 12.2% and 11.8% enrollment increases, respectively. Growth across several of its community colleges has skyrocketed as well, according to AL.com:
- Ingram State Technical College: 33.3% increase
- Enterprise State Community College: 22.1% increase
- Trenholm State Community College: 18.3% increase
- Drake State Community and Technical College: 14.4% increase
- Coastal Alabama Community College: 14.1% increase
South Carolina
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education President Jeff Perez doesn’t think the state’s enrollment is anywhere near an impending cliff, South Carolina Daily Gazette reports. The state’s overall enrollment is experiencing similar rates as last year, but several of its prominent institutions are showing promising gains. University of South Carolina Columbia has recorded two consecutive years of record-breaking total enrollment (38,300).
“Our high retention rate is a testament to the value we provide to students and their families,” Scott Verzyl, vice president for enrollment management at USC Columbia, said in a press release.
More from UB: Here is how higher ed employees are faring financially right now
While Columbia’s 7,290 first-year students is similar amount to last year, University of South Carolina Aiken experienced a record number of first-year students. Clemson University freshman enrollement (5,031) also increased by 12% over last year.
Coastal Carolina University is also crediting a strong 79.1% first-year retention rate as to why its overall enrollment has increased by 4.9%, Forbes reports.
Georgia
Preliminary numbers out of Georgia show a 6% growth in enrollment among its state universities, AP News reports. Gov. Brian Kemp is crediting this growth specifically to its direct admissions program, Georgia Match. Technical colleges also experienced a 9% gain. On of those institutions, Georgia Northwestern Technical College saw a 20% gain in dual enrolled students over the last year, Cosa Valley News reports.
The University of Georgia has experienced such an uptick in first-year student enrollment that it limited the size of its class to 6,150 students, Flagpole reports. Overall enrollment grew by 3.6% across all campuses, WUGA reports.
Flagships across other Southern states also experienced big gains:
- University of Missouri: 5,983 first-years, a 16.1% uptick over 2023 (Forbes).
- University of Tennessee: Overall enrollment looking to be finalized past 37,000, breaking last year’s record of 36,000 (Knox News).
