For the fifth year in a row, Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities reported an increase in student enrollment for the fall semester. For fall 2025, the state system of higher education has seen an increase in enrollment at all tiers – two-year colleges, regional universities and research universities.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Fall 2025 Preliminary Enrollment Report shows that headcount enrollment is up 3.6% compared to last fall, with more than 175,000 students enrolled.
“The continued growth in enrollment across Oklahoma’s public higher education institutions clearly demonstrates that Oklahomans recognize the value of a college degree,” said State Regents’ chair Courtney Warmington. “Our colleges and universities offer high-quality, affordable academic pathways, and we commend their dedication to helping more students pursue meaningful careers and achieve their goals.”
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 2024 to fall 2025, headcount enrollment at the state’s research universities increased 4.7%; at public regional universities, 1.2%; and at community colleges, 4.3%.
Both preliminary full-time equivalent (FTE) and freshman enrollment also increased from fall 2024 to fall 2025 at public institutions. FTE enrollment increased 4.5% across the state system, and freshman enrollment rose 4.1%.
“While campuses across the nation are enrolling fewer first-year students, freshman enrollment at Oklahoma public colleges and universities is increasing,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “This positive trend reflects our state system of higher education’s ongoing commitment to affordability and student success.”
The report also shows that the number of high school students concurrently enrolled in Oklahoma public institutions increased 8.3% and the total number of concurrent enrollment credit hours attempted increased 8.9% from fall 2024 to fall 2025.