St. Cloud State University Reports Enrollment Surge, First Increase Since 2015

(KNSI) – St. Cloud State University has reported a significant increase in students for the first time in eight years.

The university says its fall enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year saw a 7.7% jump in full-time learners and has been able to keep over 10,000 people working towards undergraduate and graduate degrees. The numbers were aided by a substantial 16.5% rise in the number of incoming freshmen and 11.7% growth in the number of transfer students.

The university gives credit for the upswing to the “It’s Time” strategic framework, which offers a personalized learning journey to students. The shift has resulted in the first year-over-year increase in total headcount since the fall of 2015, marking a significant turnaround in enrollment.

Dr. Robbyn Wacker, the President of SCSU, expressed her enthusiasm for the positive trend, saying, “This figure demonstrates that our tireless commitment to reevaluating our systems, processes, and educational approaches to attract and retain students is bearing fruit. It’s no secret that the landscape of higher education has undergone numerous challenges in recent years, and our proactive efforts to address these challenges head-on are clearly making an impact. Students and prospective students are recognizing our innovative and forward-thinking direction, embracing our vision for the education of the future. It’s truly exciting to see.”

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