UA Little Rock Sees Most Significant Enrollment Increase in 15 Years

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating a significant enrollment milestone. The Fall 2024 census reveals the university's largest enrollment growth in 15 years. This marks the most substantial increase since Fall 2009, reflecting the university's continued efforts to enhance access and increase affordability.

UA Little Rock's undergraduate enrollment increased by 3.7 percent, with 5,434 students enrolled this fall compared to 5,242 in Fall 2023. The university also saw a remarkable rise in undergraduate applications (16.7 percent) and admissions (19.4 percent). Although graduate enrollment declined slightly, dropping from 1,535 to 1,479, this was primarily due to a decrease in international student numbers.

"This enrollment growth is a direct result of the hard work and creative thinking of our faculty, staff, and leadership teams," said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. "Everyone at UA Little Rock has a role in creating an environment that welcomes students and supports their success. These enrollment figures reflect that collective effort."

The combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment increased by two percent compared to Fall 2023, with student semester credit hours rising by four percent. These figures do not include concurrent high school students or those enrolled at the William H. Bowen School of Law, which are reported separately.

Freshmen and Transfer Student Growth Fuel Enrollment Surge

UA Little Rock experienced significant increases in first-time freshmen and transfer students.

First-time freshman enrollment surged by 28.9 percent, rising from 357 students in Fall 2023 to 460 in Fall 2024. This marks the second-highest first-time freshman percent increase in the university's history, closely trailing the record-breaking 30 percent increase in 2022.

Transfer student enrollment also saw unprecedented growth, with an 18.2 percent increase over last year. Transfer students increased from 665 in Fall 2023 to 786 this semester, the highest percentage increase in transfer enrollment ever recorded at UA Little Rock.

Scholarship Initiatives Drive Affordability

"UA Little Rock continues to lead in affordability, and we are thrilled to see more families choosing our institution due to our unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality education," said Dr. Cody Decker, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Chief Data Officer. "The growth in freshman and transfer student numbers highlights how our focus on reducing financial barriers empowers more students to pursue higher education."

The university's scholarship initiatives have been key to reducing costs for students and families. Last year, UA Little Rock launched the Trojan Guarantee, a scholarship covering full tuition for Pell-eligible students. This program builds on the Half-Off Scholarship, introduced in 2020, which offers significant tuition discounts to students regardless of income.

"Receiving the Trojan Guarantee Scholarship has made college affordable for me because my only remaining expenses are books and personal items," said Alejandra Villa, a freshman criminal justice major. "It's a relief not to worry about tuition, and I can focus fully on my studies. I chose UA Little Rock because it's close to home, and there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus."

A Strategic Focus on Student Success

In addition to scholarship support, UA Little Rock has made substantial investments in its academic programs, campus facilities, and industry partnerships. These efforts include expanding internship opportunities and enhancing hands-on learning experiences, providing students unique advantages as they prepare for careers in Arkansas's Capital City.

"We have worked diligently to balance affordability with enhancing the quality of our academic offerings and campus environment," added Dr. Decker. "It's gratifying to see that these efforts resonate with students and families, as more students choose UA Little Rock for their higher education journey."

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