SUU Sets New Enrollment Record

Southern Utah University has set a new record in student enrollment with new information released by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). According to the data, SUU now has a student population of over 15,000 for the first time in the school's history.

The information was released in the third week enrollment data from the USHE. SUU again led the state in year to year growth posting a 4.9% increase over the figures from fall of 2022.

As seems to be the trend, SUU saw the most growth in enrollment in the university's online programs. Over the last few years, SUU has focused on expanding online offerings to meet the needs of students. Typically, online programs offer students more flexibility in planning their education process. SUU saw a 26% enrollment increase in online programs.

At this point, 35.5% of all students at SUU are only taking online courses. SUU remains committed to offer high quality, affordable online degrees allowing students worldwide access to accredited education, while keeping the price competitive.

On the more traditional setting, SUU saw an 8% increase in undergraduate student population. That, also, was the largest growth rate in the state. SUU's student body comes from all 29 counties in Utah and all 50 states in the U.S.

The student population at SUU is 24% first generation, meaning those students are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. The average undergraduate class size is 21. The top undergraduate majors for fall of 2023 include biology, psychology, elementary education, management and aerospace and aviation sciences.

Graduate programs grew an outstanding 18% growth in student population, also the largest growth rate in the state. For the fall 2023 semester, the top graduate programs include business administration, music technology, accountancy, education and interdisciplinary studies.

SUU international student population also increased to 832 students from 748 students a year ago. That translates to an 11.2% increase year over year. International students at SUU come from 85 different countries and territories.

Commenting in a press release, SUU President Mindy Benson said, “We are excited for this steady growth and will continue to elevate SUU’s profile as a high quality public university in the state. Students are choosing SUU for our commitment to access, affordability, academic programs and most of all the student-centric experience where we offer small class sizes and educators who are invested in mentoring our students for their future careers.”

Since 2020, Southern Utah University has grown by 19.5% in headcount, bucking the trend of declining enrollment facing hundreds of universities across the country. SUU has more than 150 undergraduate programs along with 32 graduate and certificate programs.