The University of Alabama enrolled 42,360 students for fall 2025, a 3.7% increase from last year. Recruiting in-state students has become a priority over the last several years, according to Matthew McLendon, UA's associate vice president and executive director of enrollment management.

Every dollar spent on developing leaders pays dividends across enrollment, advancement, culture and student success.

The goal of the initiative, AI Fluency, is that students, beginning with the class of 2029, will graduate and be fluent in both their major and AI.

Colleges are expanding their food pantries into basic needs centers that offer help with housing, clothing, childcare and more.