Enrollment is Exploding as LSUA Sees 33.5% Growth, Now Up to 6,815 Undergrads for Fall 2024!

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) proudly announces a historic milestone with total enrollment soaring to an unprecedented 6,815 full-time undergraduate students. This 33.5% increase over last year represents 1,711 new students and marks the largest total enrollment in the university's history, solidifying LSUA's position as the fastest-growing university in Louisiana and one of the fastest-growing in the South.

The university welcomes its largest incoming freshman class since becoming a four-year institution in 2001, with 581 first-year students-a 22.3% increase from the previous year. This surge reflects LSUA's growing reputation for providing high-quality, affordable education that resonates with today's students.

Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement Abbey Bain, Ph.D., explained: "LSUA continues to experience significant growth, year after year! With the largest freshman class in over 25 years, more students in central Louisiana and across the country are excited to join the Generals' family. Most regional universities are experiencing enrollment challenges; for LSUA to increase enrollment by 33% is truly the realization of the hard work our faculty and staff put in every day. It also demonstrates the personalized and vibrant experience our students have that others want to be a part of."

Last year, LSUA was ranked as the 11th-largest institution in Louisiana based on undergraduate enrollment. According to currently available data, with this year's significant growth, LSUA has launched up the charts to become the sixth-largest in the state, bucking the nationwide trend toward enrollment declines affecting many institutions across the region.

"This fall, LSUA has reached 136% of our goal to enroll 5,000 students by 2025. LSUA's overall enrollment growth continues to explode at a record pace, with Fall 2024 enrollment exceeding 6,800 students. This is an annual growth of over 33.5%," said LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil, Ph.D. "This tremendous accomplishment again places LSUA in the highly esteemed position as the fastest-growing 4-year university in Louisiana. Clearly, this underscores the outstanding educational value that LSUA provides to students, not only from our region but also across the state and the nation. Sustaining growth and surpassing our ambitious goal reflects the excellence of our faculty and staff and the unwavering support of the entire Central Louisiana community, who have displayed remarkable dedication to LSUA's regional workforce development objectives critical to growing a strong regional economy."

Liezl van der Merwe, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, noted, "As a student at LSUA, I'm thrilled to see our university reach its highest enrollment ever with 6,815 students. The dedication of the professors and faculty as well as the welcoming and supportive environment all contribute to making LSUA a place where students feel valued and inspired. This milestone fills me with excitement for what is to come. I'm looking forward to connecting with more students and continuing to thrive in a place where we all support each other and strive for excellence together. I am proud to be a General!"

LSUA's expansive online offerings are a significant contributor to its growth. The university now has 3,699 students enrolled in fully online degree programs-a staggering 56.7% increase from Fall 2023. These online students represent 54% of the total enrollment, highlighting the flexibility and accessibility that LSUA provides to those balancing education with work, family, and community commitments.

Simultaneously, on-campus enrollment continues to flourish, with 3,116 students enrolled locally-a 13.4% increase since last fall. This growth reflects the vibrant campus life and the university's dedication to fostering a dynamic and engaging educational environment.

Additionally, LSUA's dual enrollment program experienced a substantial 32% increase, offering high school students across the region unique opportunities to earn college credits and advance their academic pursuits while still in high school.

LSUA remains dedicated to offering one of the most affordable bachelor's degree programs in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Students recognize not only the value proposition but also the immense benefits of the unique undergraduate-only experience at LSUA. With a focus on in-demand degrees, practical internships, and valuable research opportunities, LSUA graduates are highly sought-after candidates for the region's most competitive careers.

LSUA is committed to its mission of providing affordable, accessible, innovative, and high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens communities. For more information about LSUA and its academic programs, visit explore.lsua.edu.