SUU Enrollment Tops 15,000 Students
Published: October 17, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University’s student population now exceeds 15,000, a new record for the university. According to third-week enrollment data released by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), SUU experienced a 4.9% enrollment increase and leads the state again in year-to-year growth.
“We are excited for this steady growth and will continue to elevate SUU’s profile as a high quality public university in the state,” said SUU President Mindy Benson. “Students are choosing SUU for our commitment to access, affordability, academic programs and most of all the student-centric experience where we offer small class sizes and educators who are invested in mentoring our students for their future careers.”
The majority of SUU’s growth came from a 26% enrollment increase in the University’s online programs. In recent years, SUU has focused on expanding flexible online offerings to meet the needs of its students. 35.5% of all students take only online courses. The University’s commitment to offering high quality, affordable online degrees allows students worldwide access to accredited education at competitive prices.
SUU’s undergraduate population increased by 8%, the largest growth in the state. The University’s student body is from all 29 counties in Utah and all 50 states. The average undergraduate class size is 21 students and the average high school GPA for first-time freshmen is 3.57. SUU’s student population is 24% first-generation, meaning they are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. The top undergraduate majors for fall 2023 include biology, psychology, elementary education, management and aerospace/aviation sciences.
SUU’s graduate programs have also achieved an outstanding 18% growth in student enrollment, the largest in the state. In Fall 2023, top graduate programs, such as business administration, music technology, accountancy, education, and interdisciplinary studies, reflect SUU’s dedication to developing robust academic programs that lead to successful careers.
SUU’s international student headcount also increased from 748 students last year to 832 students this year which is a 11.2% increase. International students are from 85 different countries and territories. SUU fosters globally engaged students and communities which broadens the perspectives in and out of the classroom.
“Over the last several years, SUU has experienced growth both on campus and online. I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work the enrollment and retention teams make every day to recruit students here and help them persist until graduation,” said Stuart Jones, SUU vice president for advancement and enrollment management. “Students and parents realize that SUU offers an incredible academic experience where students are set up to thrive from day one.”
While hundreds of universities across the country face enrollment declines, especially post-pandemic, SUU has grown by 19.5% in headcount since 2020. Through a joint effort of bringing new students in and providing the necessary resources to keep them here through graduation, the faculty and staff at SUU are committed to providing an extraordinary educational experience worthy of the investment students make to be here. SUU graduates emerge not just job-ready but well-prepared for the evolving landscape of the modern workforce.
SUU has more than 150 undergraduate programs, and 32 graduate and certificate programs. Additionally, SUU also offers a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - the only Psy.D. program in the state of Utah.
Read the press release from the Utah System of Higher Education.
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