UCA has seen a 4% increase in student enrollment this semester compared to last spring, according to a press release sent out by the university.

Kevin Thomas, vice president for enrollment services and student success, said first-time freshmen enrollment has increased significantly compared to spring 2024.

“For Spring 2025, there are 50 first-time, first-year incoming students, up from 35 in Spring 2024—a 42.86% increase,” Thomas said. 

Thomas said the largest increase among classifications was freshmen, “reflecting UCA’s strong recruitment efforts and retention initiatives.”

All classifications saw an increase from last spring except juniors and graduate students. 

• Freshmen (0 – 29 credit hours): 1,554 students (up from 1,298, a 19.72% increase)

• Sophomores (30 – 59 credit hours): 1,605 students (up from 1,506, a 6.57% increase)

• Juniors (60 – 89 credit hours): 1,574 students (down from 1,647, a 4.43% decrease)

• Seniors (90 credit hours or more): 2,169 students (up from 2,107, a 2.94% increase)

• Graduate Students: 1,697 students (down from 1,788, a 5.09% decrease)

Thomas said, “Sophomore and senior enrollments also saw steady growth, indicating strong student progression.” 

According to Institutional Research, overall spring enrollment numbers have decreased by 6.7% since 2020. 

• In spring 2020, student enrollment was at 9,802.

• In spring 2021, student enrollment was at 9,251. 

• In spring 2022, student enrollment was at 9,055.

• In spring 2023, student enrollment was at 8,900.

• In spring 2024, student enrollment was at 8,898.

• In spring 2025, student enrollment was at 9,141. 

According to numbers from Institutional research, overall student credit hours have decreased by 6.6% since spring 2020. 

• In spring 2020, student credit hours measured 121,658.

• In spring 2021, student credit hours measured 113,007.

• In spring 2022, student credit hours measured 109,767.

• In spring 2023, student credit hours measured 108,352.

• In spring 2024, student credit hours measured 109,272.

• In spring 2025, student credit hours measured 113,585.

Thomas said, “Student credit hour for spring 2025 compared to spring 2024 is up roughly 4% and at the undergraduate level is up just under 5%.” 

In the press release, UCA President Houston Davis said, “The university experienced undergraduate growth in all five academic colleges with the College of Business experiencing the largest enrollment increase of 6.1%.” 

Thomas said all five academic colleges experienced an increase in enrollment in spring 2025 compared to last spring.

“Leading the way were the College of Business and the College of Science & Engineering, both seeing impressive growth of approximately 6%, driven by increasing demand for business and STEM-related programs,” Thomas said. “The College of Health & Behavioral Sciences followed closely with a 4% increase, reinforcing the growing interest in healthcare and social sciences fields. Meanwhile, the College of Education saw a 3.5% rise, spotlighting UCA’s continued strength in teacher preparation and leadership development. The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences also posted steady growth at 2%, highlighting the value of a well-rounded liberal arts education.”

According to the press release, “Early signs are positive for fall 2025 enrollment as applications and admits for next year’s freshman class are pacing 7% ahead of last year’s record-setting numbers.”

Thomas said, “The UCA Commitment program continues to be a game-changer for affordability and accessibility, with over 925 applications already submitted for students entering fall 2025 — a strong indicator that the program is resonating with prospective students.”