The University of West Alabama released its student population census data for the fall 2023 semester, revealing the highest enrollment for a single semester.

The new enrollment record of 6,195 students represents close to a 6% increase from last fall’s enrollment numbers. That increase wasn’t just isolated to one class or a particular program — it showed up across the board from freshman undergraduates all the way to those seeking a doctoral degree. Also of note, the undergraduate enrollment is now up by more than 10 percent to 2,674.

“This increase to record-setting enrollment is indicative of the level of support from throughout the university to help ensure that students who want and need to enroll at UWA are equipped to be successful,” said UWA President Ken Tucker.

“In addition to the range of degree programs and paths we offer, the recruitment and enrollment, financial aid counseling, tuition payment support, parent advocacy, athletic programs and extracurricular organizations, housing, and so many other areas come together for a supported student experience, and they all make a tremendous difference in a student’s college decision from day one.”

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Tucker also said that UWA’s Board of Trustees has instituted a tuition freeze for the semester.

“The cost of living is at the forefront of students’ and parents’ minds, and this extended tuition freeze has proven as critical as ever in demonstrating UWA’s commitment to providing an affordable education while effectively managing resources.”

UWA Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Melissa Haab, called the new record a sign of an “upward trend.”

“Our enrollment includes increases in our numbers for first-time, full-time freshmen, for students living in campus housing, for transfer students, and for dual enrollment students,” Haab said. “These numbers are strong indicators for upward trend, especially for our undergraduate student population.”

“Our team strives to provide support to all of these students in a way that allows them to excel in the classroom and also as student leaders so they are well-suited for their academic journey and then their careers.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.