A-State's Fall Enrollment Rises 12% to a Record 16,687 Students

A-State broke last fall's enrollment record of 14,903 as more high school students chose A-State to pursue a college degree, with a 14.5% increase in first-time freshmen enrolled on campus. The transfer rate of traditional college students to the Jonesboro campus was also significantly higher, up 13.5% compared to fall 2023.

A-State's Graduate School, the largest in Arkansas, reported an 8.9% increase with total enrollment of 5,741.

“Our enrollment continues to grow as students and parents realize that A-State offers the best of both worlds: the resources to host a medical school on campus or open a College of Veterinary Medicine, combined with a tight-knit community that ensures no one is left behind,” Shields said.

The university has seen growth from every corner of the state, reporting a 9.3% increase in new Red Wolves from Arkansas. Students in the Class of 2028 raised the overall share of Arkansas students enrolled at A-State to 72%.

About one-fifth of new students received the A-State Promise Plus Scholarship, the university's last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition and fees after federal grants and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship are applied to an eligible student's account.

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Calvin White Jr. said he expects the program to continue its success after the university recently announced additional investment in need- and merit-based support, including an increase in the annual Promise Plus housing scholarship to cover the total cost of housing for students enrolling in fall 2025.

White said, “Arkansas families continue to respond very positively to our new financial support opportunities.” “We have opened the door for every eligible Arkansas student, regardless of economic status, to pursue their dreams by attending a growing, nationally recognized Carnegie-classified Research 2 (R2) university.”

Arkansas State also reported significant growth in online education and international recruitment. A-State Online, the state's leader in online education, added 1,094 students, an increase of 17.2%.

The international student population on the Jonesboro campus rose to a record 1,143, up 36.4%, and A-State's Queretaro Campus grew to 961, up 10% compared to last fall.

Shields credited the collaboration between faculty and staff, as well as their support for the university's focus on recruitment and student retention.

Shields said, “As we celebrate this enrollment milestone, it is important to recognize the faculty and staff who work together to responsibly grow our 'Red Wolves' and provide the campus environment for them to succeed.” “A-State is on a path of transformational growth as we continue to provide unparalleled opportunities for our students. Our value proposition remains as strong as ever, and our best days are still ahead.”