Bearcat enrollment growth beats national trends

Bearcat enrollment growth beats national trends

Increase in online, first-gen and regional campus students proves UC is the 'smart choice'

By Cedric RicksEmail CedricEmail Cedric260-415-8554

4 minute readSeptember 11, 2024Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike

The University of Cincinnati recorded its largest enrollment ever as the official head count landed at 53,235 students for fall semester 2024.

The figure represents nearly a 4.5% increase over last year's enrollment or an additional 2,314 students.

Online learners increased by 9.6% and now account for 9,513 students. Individuals who are the first in their family to attend college, or first-generation students, now account for 10,198 students or a 10.4% increase. First-year student enrollment at the university dipped slightly by 2.2% with 8,672 students enrolling for the fall semester.

Enrollment at the university's regional campuses also grows: UC Blue Ash saw a 6.7% rise to 4,560 students while at UC Clermont enrollment was up 15.8% to 3,091 students. New transfer student enrollment increased by 3.9% to 2,011 students.

Overall, the UC student body is its most diverse ever with students of color representing 28.7%.

The popularity of regional campuses, Blue Ash College and Clermont College, is helping to boost enrollment for the University of Cincinnati. Students are shown in the courtyard on the UC Blue Ash campus. Photo provided.

"As universities around Ohio and across the country see enrollment drops, the University of Cincinnati is continuing to grow, seeing a 10,000 student increase over just the past decade," says Jack Miner, vice provost of enrollment management. "Our focus on ensuring college accessibility to people right here in Cincinnati has resulted in our ability to attract more online learners, first-generation students and additional students at our regional campuses at Blue Ash and Clermont.

"UC remains the smart choice because we are working to make college affordable no matter who you are. Our College Credit Plus program offers free college credit for students still in high school and our online programs allow adult learners to complete their degree at their own pace while they are working," says Miner.

The university saw major growth in its College Credit Plus program, established to enhance high school students' college readiness by enabling students to take college-level courses before graduating high school. The move is designed to reduce tuition costs and to make college more affordable, allowing students to use those credits at UC or another institution of higher learning if they choose.

The enrollment growth at UC really represents an investment in and a benefit to this city and this region.

Jack MinerUC Vice Provost for Enrollment Management

Enrollment in the College Credit Plus program has hit 2,701 students or a 46% increase. The university is also seeing an increase in the number of graduates from Cincinnati Public Schoolsattending UC; enrollment by CPS graduates is 2,160 students or a 12.3% increase.

"The enrollment growth at UC really represents an investment in and a benefit to this city and this region," says Miner. "We are creating a stronger and more educated workforce to support today's jobs and to allow more economic investment and development in this city. The most important part of that investment is that we are educating our own homegrown talent to fill those jobs."

UC has students from all 50 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, along with students from 128 countries around the globe.

This fall, the university's colleges with the top enrollment at UC are the College of Arts and Sciences with 8,578 students; the College of Engineering and Applied Science with 7,251 students; the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services with 6,819 students; and the Carl H. Lindner College of Business with 6,211 students and UC Blue Ash with 4,560 students.

Featured top image of convocation for first-year students in Fifth Third Arena was taken by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.

The UC Clermont campus saw enrollment jump 15.8% to 3,091 students this fall. Photo provided.

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