The University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) reports that it is on track to welcome the largest freshman class in school history this fall. Preliminary figures show about 500 more first-time, full-time freshmen than in 2024, when just over 2,000 students enrolled. That increase would bring the 2025 freshman class to approximately 2,500 students — a nearly 25 percent jump year over year. The total would also surpass UAB’s previous record set in 2021, when 2,415 freshmen enrolled.
UAB officials say the increase reflects the school’s SUCCESS Initiative, which aligns academic advising, student services, and support from recruitment through graduation.
“We are encouraged by the early data showing a strong increase in freshman enrollment,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “This growth reflects the excellence of our faculty and the transformative opportunities our students have inside and outside of the classroom, as well as our SUCCESS Initiative led by Provost Janet Woodruff-Borden and Vice President for Student Affairs John Jones.”
Woodruff-Borden added that by integrating advising, student services, and data-driven decisions, UAB is “creating a more personalized and proactive experience for every student.”
Students in the Class of 2029 will also benefit from new facilities. The Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall, part of the Science and Engineering Complex, opened this summer with 110,000 square feet of high-tech labs and classrooms. The complex now includes East and South Science Halls, which opened two years ago.
The Student Assembly Building, completed in 2024, is also welcoming its first freshman class, giving student groups space to meet, recruit, and collaborate.
Distinctive academic offerings are also drawing interest. These include the undergraduate degree in cancer biology, the only program of its kind in the nation, and the biomedical engineering program, a collaboration between the Schools of Engineering and Medicine. UAB also offers Alabama’s first Bachelor of Science in eSports Performance Management and Coaching.
“There is something for everyone at UAB, from liberal arts to engineering, education and business, to health and medicine,” Woodruff-Borden said.
Student life is expanding alongside academics. Gang Green, the student-led athletics spirit group, has already added more than 1,100 new members in the past month. The group’s mission is to unite the Blazer community, energize game days, and make campus life more engaging.
Final enrollment numbers will be confirmed in October, but UAB leaders say the early trends highlight both demand and momentum. With growth in academics, facilities, and student life, the university is positioned for another record-setting year.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
