For the fourth year in a row, Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities reported an increase in student enrollment for the fall semester. For fall 2024, the state system of higher education has seen an increase in enrollment in our two-year colleges, regional universities and research universities.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Fall 2024 Preliminary Enrollment Report shows that headcount enrollment is up 4.5% compared to last fall, with a total of 169,004 students enrolled.
“These enrollment increases across the state system prove that Oklahomans value a college degree,” said State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey. “Our public institutions provide high-quality, affordable educational opportunities, and we recognize their hard work to help more students find the best path to fulfill their career aspirations.”
While official enrollment data is reported to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) on an annual basis, the State Regents collect preliminary enrollment information that can be reviewed and analyzed closer to the beginning of each semester rather than after the semester has concluded.
The preliminary enrollment report reveals that from fall 2023 to fall 2024, headcount enrollment at the state’s research universities increased 5.8%; at public regional universities, 3.9%; at our public liberal arts university, 12.4%; and at community colleges, 3.4%.
Both preliminary full-time equivalent (FTE) and freshman enrollment also increased from fall 2023 to fall 2024 at public institutions. FTE enrollment increased 4.6% across the state system, and freshman enrollment rose 6.4%.
“States with more college degree-holders have higher per capita incomes and stronger economies,” said Chancellor Allison Garrett. “Cost of attendance and student debt at our public institutions are among the lowest in the nation. While institutions across the country are experiencing declines in the number of first-year students, freshman enrollment at Oklahoma state system colleges and universities is increasing. This is the trajectory we must continue to see our citizens thrive and our state prosper.”
The report also shows that the number of high school students concurrently enrolled in Oklahoma public colleges and universities increased 10.3% and the total number of concurrent enrollment credit hours attempted increased 10.8% from fall 2023 to fall 2024.