For the fall semester, the University of Alabama reached its highest-ever enrollment in the institution’s 201-year history.
UA has 38,645 students enrolled; the previous high was 38,563 in 2017, according to the university.
The university’s record-breaking enrollment does not end there. There are 1,088 National Merit Scholars at The Capstone – the most ever.
UA’s record enrollment was bolstered by its freshman class of 8,037 students. The class of 2026 includes 322 National Merit Scholars, a 15% increase from last year’s record.
In lauding the enrollment records, university President Dr. Stuart Bell touched on the value of a degree from The Capstone.
“The University of Alabama experience is continuing to draw diverse, talented students from all over the state, nation and world,” said Bell. “As high achieving students graduate and begin their careers or further their education, they demonstrate the incredible value of a UA degree. The many who do so by remaining in Alabama are critical to growing and strengthening our local and state economies.”
RELATED: UA president Dr. Stuart Bell details The Capstone’s record growth, student success
Among its freshman class, UA’s enrollment of in-state students increased to 2,987. This marks the fourth consecutive year with an increase of freshmen from the Yellowhammer State.
The University of Alabama System educates more Alabamians than any other university system, according to a news release.
The university also broke enrollment records among ethnic and racial minorities, which sits at 8,542 students. The number reflects a 2% increase from 2021.
Attendance among Black students (4,344) and Hispanic students (2,138) are at an all-time high. Additionally, the freshman class set enrollment records for these groups.
UA is graduating more students than any in-state university, awarding more than 9,300 degrees over the past year. The university has students from each of Alabama’s 67 counties, all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
