Southern Utah University Reports Strong Enrollment Trends
Published: October 14, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University (SUU) continues to meet significant milestones as the University’s student population is at 15,825 - a healthy 2.47% increase from last fall. This achievement is reflected in the latest third-week enrollment data released by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).
Contributing to this growth is the University’s robust online program, which now serves over 3,691 fully online students, marking a new high for the institution in digital learning. Additionally, the University saw growth among incoming and transfer students, with an increase of 4.67%.
"These strong enrollment numbers demonstrate that SUU is effectively meeting the evolving educational needs of our state,” says SUU President Mindy Benson. “We aren’t just counting heads; we’re demonstrating our ability to deliver flexible, high-quality pathways that make college accessible to every Utahn, from high school students to working professionals, ensuring we continue to grow the talent pool that powers our future economy."
The noted metrics are translating into real-world success for SUU graduates. Employment rates for recent graduates are trending upward year-over-year (YOY). This is especially true for the University's advanced degrees, as 97.3% of recent graduates from SUU masters programs are employed.
Kayla Schaugaard is among recent SUU graduates who have been able to secure employment quickly after she received her bachelor’s degree in both construction management and engineering technology this last April. She currently works full-time as a project engineer for Layton Construction on the Iron County Jail project in Cedar City - where she started as an intern.
SUU truly helped prepare me for this career,” explains Schaugaard. “The Construction Management program gave me valuable hands-on experience on job sites and connected me with internships early on. Those opportunities not only helped me realize that construction management was the right path for me, but also gave me the confidence and preparation I needed to succeed."
Other highlights from SUU’s enrollment data include:
- 27.4% of students are first-generation (the first in their family to pursue a college degree).
- SUU’s student body represents all 29 counties in Utah, all 50 U.S. states, and 87 countries.
- The average undergraduate class size remains small with an average of 19.8 students in each class, ensuring a high level of personal attention.
"These numbers aren't just statistics; they're proof of the deliberate and personalized experience SUU works to deliver every day,” says Brandon Wright, Associate Vice President for enrollment. “Our commitment is simple: we ensure that as SUU grows, the quality of mentorship, the access to resources, and the small-class feel remain the priority."
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to helping them soar. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU’s safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar.
Tags: Cedar City Campus CurStu
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu