Oklahoma higher education officials have reported a 4.5% increase in enrollment at public colleges and universities, according to data released by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. This increase, measured by headcount, marks a substantial growth in the freshman class, which has risen by over 1,700 students, or 6.4%, compared to the previous year.
Total enrollment across Oklahoma’s public higher education institutions this fall reached just over 169,000, adding approximately 7,300 students from the 2023 figures. This development marks the fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth in the state.
State Chancellor’s Perspective
Chancellor Allison Garrett emphasized that the state’s public institutions provide some of the lowest costs of attendance and student debt in the nation. Despite a national decline in first-year student enrollment, schools within the Oklahoma state system have experienced an upward trend, which is viewed as vital for the state’s ongoing economic health.
Growth at Research Universities
Enrollment growth was also evident at research universities such as Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, which saw an increase of about 5.8% in headcount. Concurrent enrollment, a program allowing high school students to take college courses, recorded a significant rise of 10.3%.
Broader Trend in Higher Education
This enrollment increase indicates a broader trend of increasing interest in higher education within Oklahoma, as institutions seek to attract and retain students amid changing national patterns.
Source: Original article from OUDaily.com.