Enrollment at Utah's public colleges, universities up 4.32% over 2023

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah System of Higher Education on Tuesday released its annual enrollment data, and the numbers are encouraging for all eight institutions under the USHE umbrella.

Data shows that enrollment at the state's public colleges and universities rose 4.32% from 2023, compared to a 1.80% increase the year before.

Across the entire system, enrollment was up for both undergraduate students (2.98%) and graduate students (7.48%). The undergraduate enrollment increase is especially notable, as 2023 data showed undergraduate enrollment at a modest increase (0.30%).

In total, the USHE 2024 fall headcount was at 207,005, compared to 198,432 in 2023.

"We are encouraged by the increase in enrollment across Utah's public degree-granting colleges and universities, especially as recent reports indicate a decline in the college-going population in the near future," Geoffrey Landward, commissioner of higher education, said in a statement. "While we celebrate this growth, our mission extends beyond enrollment. USHE's strategic direction is centered on not only providing access and opportunities to students but also ensuring they complete their degrees, equipped with the tools they need to thrive in today's economy."

Here's how the numbers looked for each institution.

Salt Lake Community College and Snow College

Salt Lake Community College saw enrollment increase, with a total of 27,437 students this year compared to 26,764 students in 2023, a 2.51% increase.

Snow College — Utah's most affordable higher education institution — rebounded from its 2023 headcount that saw enrollment decline 2.8%, this year growing by 1.29% to 5,577 students.

"We are excited about the outcomes we have seen this year in alignment with our strategic enrollment plan. We are especially excited about the significant increase we have seen of students within our service region," Cody Branch, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Snow College, said in a statement. "This progress reflects the hard work and dedication of many individuals from various departments across both campuses and in partnership with our regional high schools. We are grateful for their commitment to ensuring that more students have access to the amazing educational opportunities Snow College offers."

Weber State University

For the fourth year in a row, Weber State University welcomed its largest-ever student body to Weber County. This year, enrollment grew to 32,701 students — a 7.09% growth from 2023 and the largest percentage growth among the eight USHE institutions.

Additionally, the university surpassed its goal of educating over 32,000 students.

"We knew 32,000 was an ambitious number, but we were confident Weber State could achieve it because of who we are and what we offer," Weber State University President Brad Mortensen said in a statement. "In a year with many potential headwinds for enrollment, including federal FAFSA delays and the implementation of mandatory advising for new students, serving the largest number of students in university history is a tremendous testament to the dedication and commitment of the student-focused staff and faculty at Weber State."

Additionally, the university is home to over 4,000 Hispanic and Latino students, an all-time high for the fourth year in a row and a point of emphasis for the university to match Utah's fast-growing Latino population.

Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University — Utah County's only four-year public university — is home to a school record of 46,809 students, the most in the state by nearly 10,000 students.

This total represents a 4.83% increase from 2023.

"Students continue to choose UVU and have found that it is a place for them to thrive," President Astrid Tuminez said in a statement. "Our enrollment has now grown by 17.25% since I first started in 2018. With 77% of our alumni still in Utah 10 years after graduation, investing in UVU students is an investment in Utah's future."

The university also welcomed 4,705 first-time students, the largest freshman class in school history. Additionally, UVU saw an 18.54% enrollment increase in first-generation students with 19,329.

"The first-generation community helped me tremendously to adapt during my freshman year. I chose UVU because its personal financial planning program is one of the best," Carmen Guevara Hernandez, a first-generation freshman at UVU, said in a statement. "All the professors are great and patient; they are always willing to help. I really appreciate the welcoming environment at UVU."

Utah Tech University

The state's southernmost university saw a 4.77% increase in enrollment in 2024, bringing the student population to 13,167 — the largest student population in the the school's history.

This total is made up of 82% Utah residents. Data also shows that 58% of students are women, and 24% come from diverse populations.

"Utah Tech University's remarkable growth this fall is reflective of our commitment to providing an accessible, affordable and high-quality education in one of the most spectacular areas of the country," Darlene Dilley, Utah Tech's associate provost for enrollment management, said in a statement.

To accommodate the influx of students, the university this fall welcomed 564 students to the newly completed Campus View Suites III.

Utah State University

Along with its Logan campus, Utah State University represents an expansive network of 30 locations throughout the Beehive State, making it accessible to students no matter where they live.

In 2024, enrollment grew 2.98% to 28,900 students.

"We are thrilled students are choosing a college education and setting themselves up for a lifetime of success," USU President Elizabeth Cantwell said in a statement. "As a top R1 research and public service university, Utah State offers students a strong return on investment and an enriching student life experience wherever they choose to attend USU. We're seeing growth across the state, and that is because we meet students where they live."

To combat the FAFSA-related challenges during this year's cycle, Utah State provided more support to help students through the process, leading to a 15% increase in FAFSA completion among first-year students.

University of Utah

For the fifth consecutive year, Utah's flagship university broke enrollment records set the previous year.

This year, the U. grew by 4.7% with 36,970 students — the highest total in the university's 174-year history.

"Our growth reflects the U.'s value as a leading research university and our success in creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally," Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah, said in a statement. "As we welcome record-breaking numbers of students, we remain focused on cultivating the 'college town magic' that inspires them and sets them on a path to success."

Additionally, the U. was represented across Utah and the world alike, with students from all 29 Utah counties, all 50 states and 108 different countries.

This year also marked the first year of the joint U. and Salt Lake Community College campus in Herriman, which saw a 34% increase in students.

Southern Utah University

Over the last decade, Southern Utah University has doubled its enrollment, reaching an all-time high of 15,444 students in 2024. That's a 2.73% jump from last year.

The university also anticipates enrollment continuing to grow, likely surpassing 16,000 by the end of the fall 2024 semester.

A key factor in its growth, the university said in a statement, is its online program, which now serves over 3,500 fully online students.

"While SUU has seen significant growth over the last decade, we've maintained the personalized learning environment that SUU is known for," Shauna Mendini, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said in a statement. "Our classes remain small and continue to be taught by highly qualified and caring faculty who provide essential mentoring and learning opportunities to help students advance."

The fall enrollment data for all eight USHE degree-granting institutions is measured during the third week of the fall semester and can be found here.

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