North Dakota University System
09/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 08:31
NDUS enrollment remains strong, surpasses pre-pandemic census counts
25 SepNDUS enrollment remains strong, surpasses pre-pandemic census counts
BISMARCK, N.D. - Recent census data captured by the North Dakota University System (NDUS) shows a rise in enrollment for the fall 2024 semester with a headcount of 45,806 students, the highest number since fall 2018. Additionally, full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment has increased for the third straight year at 34,781students, the highest since 2020.
The jump in headcount from last fall represents a 3.6% increase from 44,227 in 2023, while the FTE count increased by 4.1% from 33,442. Additionally, total credit hour production increased by 4.2% with 511,484 hours recorded for 2024, up from 490,643 in 2023.
Eight of NDUS's 11 institutions reported enrollment gains for the fall 2024 semester. Williston State College had the largest increase at 16% while other large gains were had at Mayville State University at 8.2%, North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) at 7.2% and the University of North Dakota (UND) at 6%.
"I want to commend our campus presidents. We know they have unique challenges in growing enrollment, but they have continued to attract new students by offering programs that prepare them for success after graduation," said NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott. "We are also fortunate to be in North Dakota, a destination where there is endless opportunity. Our system is a conduit to that opportunity, working together with state industry to develop the best pathways for our students to have successful careers here in North Dakota."
The uptick in systemwide enrollment is driven by a 10.1% increase in new undergraduate students. Two NDUS institutions saw significant new undergraduate growth. Dickinson State University and NDSCS all had increases of 10%. Mayville State University and UND had major undergraduate student gains with an over 25% increase from last fall.
Other demographic breakdowns depicting enrollment growth for fall 2024 included:
- New North Dakota freshmen: 8.9% increase. The total number of North Dakota undergraduates in the system is 21,105.
- New Minnesota freshmen: 9.8% increase
- New international undergraduate students: 2.5% increase
- New transfer undergraduates: Up 7.6%
- Graduate and professional students: Up 1.3%