Enrollment breaks records at multiple Utah universities

SALT LAKE CITY — Six of Utah’s universities announced record-breaking enrollment numbers for the fall 2022 semester.

The University of Utah, Southern Utah University, Utah Tech University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, and Utah State University each had an increase in enrollment since the previous year.

Utah Valley University

UVU had record enrollment of 43,099 students for fall semester, according to data from the Utah System of Higher Education, an increase of 4.45% over last year.

“Utah Valley University provides accessible and equitable educational opportunities for every student who wants to receive a rewarding postsecondary education,” said Astrid S. Tuminez, UVU president. “UVU’s approach to education enables all students to come as they are. We are committed to small class sizes, low tuition, and learning experiences that prepare students to enter Utah’s robust job market.”

According to UVU’s release, the majority of students this fall are from Utah County.

Here are the stats:

• 21.2% are age 25 or older
• 12% of students are Black and African Americans, Native Americans, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders
• 50.4% of students identify as female
• 49.6% identify as male

The top majors for fall 2022 include Business Management, Computer Science, Psychology, Pre-Professional Endorsement Education, Biology, Exercise Science, Outdoor Recreation, Elementary Education, Art and Design, and University Studies.

University of Utah

The U’s enrollment has an incoming class of 5,520 students, breaking all historic records of enrollment for the third year in a row.

Overall enrollment increased by 0.8% to make a total of 34,734 students.

The U. announced they had the largest number of incoming freshmen of color at 1,655 students and the highest number of freshmen that identify as female at 2,779 students.

“Students across Utah and the rest of the country see the University of Utah as a destination and it is only natural then that we see record enrollment year after year,” Steve Robinson, senior associate vice president for enrollment management said. “When students learn more about the U, why would they want to go anywhere else?”

“The fall enrollment data is very encouraging,” U. President Taylor Randall said. “Establishing a continued pattern of growth across all groups is the first step towards building a campus community that will transform lives. I want all our students to know that we are happy they chose the U and that we are working daily to create an educational experience second to none where they will thrive and succeed.”

Utah State University

USU had record enrollment this fall with first-year student enrollment up 13.3% in Logan and 14.1% overall across the university’s statewide system.

USU’s stats included:

• Concurrent enrollment, students taking USU courses while in high school, was up 17.4% across all of USU’s campuses over fall 2021.
• New and transfer students who are the first in their families to attend college increased 16.3% over the last year.
• Graduate student enrollment was slightly down on the Logan campus, but up across most of USU’s statewide campuses.
• Total enrollment, including both undergraduate and graduate, as well as concurrent enrollment, increased by 1.9% over fall 2021.

“USU has always excelled at offering access to a world-class education with innovative opportunities for undergraduate research, community-engaged learning, and real-world experience,” USU Executive Vice President Robert Wagner said. “On top of all that, USU has an expansive alumni network of Aggies that allows our students to leverage prestigious internship opportunities, capitalize on advanced career placement, and connect with fellow Aggies around the globe.”

Utah Tech University

Utah Tech’s enrollment had an increase for the seventh consecutive year with a 2.36% increase since last year.

According to a release from the school, the university’s total enrollment includes 3,035 new students such as freshmen, transfer students and new graduate students. The percentage of the student body who are Utah residents has grown by 2.5% to 10,231 and 21% of students represent diverse populations.

“As our institution continues to expand its academic offerings, we are proud that more students than ever before have chosen to pursue their educational and professional aspirations at Utah Tech University,” Utah Tech President Richard “Biff” Williams said. “Utah Tech remains committed to providing a comprehensive polytechnic education that prepares our students for a successful transition into the workforce after graduation.”

Women make up 57% of the Utah Tech population.

Southern Utah University

SUU had a 5.28% enrollment increase totaling 14,330 students in both on-campus and online programs.

“We are pleased that so many students are choosing SUU to continue their education,” SUU President Mindy Benson said. “Taking into consideration the impact of on-campus growth on the Cedar City community, we made a concerted effort to increase our online degree enrollment and it paid off. Our robust online programs give greater access to students, especially non-traditional students looking to earn a college degree.”

SUU has 2,437 online students, that’s 17 percent of the University’s total enrollment. Online enrollment grew by 5.5 percent year to year.

Stats include:

• 19.7% international students
• 9.8% graduate students
• 4.7% undergraduate students

“We are fully committed to providing increased access and affordable degree options to students looking to further their education,” Stuart Jones, SUU vice president for advancement and enrollment management said. “We have frozen tuition for four straight years and created innovative programs like the $9,000 Bachelor of General Studies online degree to give greater access for people to earn a college degree.”

Weber State University:

WSU also had positive growth in enrollment numbers. According to a release from the school, the enrollment is at its highest ever at 29,914 including a  1.3% growth of first-time student enrollment and a 2.5% increase over last year’s enrollment.

“It’s exciting to see the number of students being served by Weber State continuing to grow,” WSU president Brad Mortensen said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to meet these students where they are and help guide them to find their passion and complete a meaningful degree at Weber State.”

Additionally, WSU students who identify as Hispanic or Latino now make up 12.5% of the full-time equivalent undergraduate student body.

Other universities:

Brigham Young University had total enrollment numbers of 34,390, with 31,389 undergraduate students and 3,001 graduate students, a 1% decrease from Fall 2021.