UL SYSTEM BREAKS 90,000 STUDENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2012

The University of Louisiana System has eclipsed 90,000 students for the first time since 2012. An additional 588 students over last year brings the System’s total enrollment to 90,439 students. Six of the nine UL System institutions experienced some level of growth.

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches boasted the highest percentage and student increase at 7 percent and 640 students, respectively. Grambling State University followed with a 6.8 percent increase, an additional 310 students.

“Even during extremely difficult budget times, our universities have worked diligently to attract more students,” Interim UL System President Dan Reneau said. “The UL System is the workhorse of Louisiana’s higher education landscape and we are proud of the educational opportunities we provide to our more than 90,000 students.”

In addition to more students, the System’s universities are touting higher quality students. Louisiana Tech University’s freshman class includes 155 students who scored a 32 or higher on the ACT and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s freshman class includes 160 valedictorians.

Nicholls State University increased its enrollment by 103 students-its first fall enrollment increase since 2009. The University of Louisiana at Monroe experienced an increase of 261 students and its online program, eULM, has the largest enrollment since its inception.

Southeastern Louisiana University’s enrollment is down fewer than a hundred students but its freshman class increased by 14.4 percent. The University of New Orleans decreased overall but did see a slight uptick in new students which includes freshman and transfers. McNeese State University also experienced a decrease. Some of the decrease may be attributed to the vast flooding in south Louisiana.   

The UL System is the largest higher education system in the state and one of the largest in the nation. Statewide the System awards 64 percent of bachelor’s degrees and 61 percent of master’s degrees which represents 74 percent of education degrees; 72 percent of four-year nursing degrees; 66 percent of business degrees; 60 percent of engineering degrees and all of the state’s public pharmacy degrees.