Arkansas colleges have seen a remarkable surge in enrollment, with multiple institutions breaking their records in recent years.
The University of Arkansas Sets Record Enrollment
The University of Arkansas has set a record enrollment for the fourth consecutive year, with a total of 33,610 students enrolled for the 2024 fall semester. This significant increase includes undergraduate, graduate, and law students, representing a growth of more than 1,500 students. The new freshman class accounts for 6,614 students, nearly 500 shy of the record set in 2022. Alongside this growth, the university’s retention rates have consistently increased since 2020, reaching 85%. The current freshman class is considered the most academically prepared in school history.
Arkansas State University Breaks Records
Arkansas State University also set a new record by enrolling over 16,000 students. The total enrollment of 16,687 marks a 12% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to a variety of factors, including improved collaboration among departments, increased advertising, and a focus on affordability. The university has seen significant rises in both transfer students and those from in-state. Furthermore, its graduate school reported a nearly 9% increase, and international students on the Jonesboro campus showed a substantial 36.4% rise.
University of Central Arkansas Sees Growth
The University of Central Arkansas has reported a 3.4% increase in enrollment, with a total of 10,123 students. This growth includes a freshman class of 2,183 students, a significant rise. To accommodate the increased demand, UCA has partnered with a nearby apartment complex to provide additional housing.
UALR Undergraduate Enrollment Rises
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) saw a notable increase in undergraduate enrollment, with a 3.7% rise. First-time freshman enrollment particularly grew by nearly 30%, reaching a total of 460 students. This surge adds to the overall growth trend in Arkansas’ institutions of higher education.
This upward trend in enrollment indicates a strong interest in pursuing higher education in the state.
