From the President: Fall Enrollment Update
May 2, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
As we prepare to celebrate the accomplishments of our scholars at the conclusion of the academic year, a great deal of effort has also been taking place to build our new entering class for Fall 2025. I am happy to report that all signs point to a continuation of our upward enrollment trajectory:
- As of May 1, first-year deposits currently stand at 1,179, which is up 11% over Fall 2023 and more than double the number from last May 1, when the challenges with the federal FAFSA system delayed financial aid awards. This means that we are 90 percent of the way toward our goal of 1,300 new full- and part-time scholars for the fall - compared with the 2024 class of 1,096 and 2023's class of 1,227.
- The registration headcount for the fall is up 5.3% for undergraduates and 3.0% for graduate students, with overall FTE enrollment rising by 5.1%. New transfer and graduate commitments have also increased by 36.2% and 16.8%, respectively.
- The first-year deposited pool includes 119 students who participated in Early College at Southern, compared to 80 at the Fall 2024 census. At 23 %, the yield rate for these Early College alumni is 3% higher than the overall first-year yield, underscoring the growing value of this program.
I would also note that if 50 additional Fall 2024 first-year students enroll for Fall 2025, we can reach 80% retention of first-time, full-time students – the highest rate of retention since at least 2009. Currently, 82% of eligible, degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled this spring have registered for the fall, while graduates are at 63%.
The strong enrollment returns we are seeing among new first-years, transfers, graduate, and continuing scholars stem from the contributions of many individuals and departments throughout the university. Engaged teaching, research and advising, academic program development, participation in admissions activities and events, timely transfer articulation, supportive student services, and vibrant campus life have all influenced enrollment, retention, and persistence.
A key factor for growth in the first-year class is the expansion of merit scholarships, which are now automatically awarded at the point of admission to every qualified student. Our transfer scholar pipeline has also been supported by strong relationships and a presence at Connecticut State feeder campuses, along with flexible transfer policies.
In addition, high-demand programs such as nursing, business and psychology are driving growth among undergraduates. At the graduate level, the new Occupational Therapy program, School Psychology, Speech Pathology, Social Work and DBA programs are experiencing the most significant increases.
These highly promising numbers are clearly the result of an outstanding collective effort, led by Vice President Julie Edstrom and her enrollment management team. I thank all of you for your dedication to not only achieving our enrollment goals but also ensuring that every scholar at Southern is valued and supported along their path to graduation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dwayne Smith
Interim President