University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports first enrollment increase since 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - The University of Nebraska said Monday that enrollment was up for the first time in seven years.

According to the university’s fall census, the 2024-25 class of first-time, first-year students from Nebraska hit above 3,500. With 3,579 students, that’s the largest in-state entering class since 2017, and brings UNL’s student body to nearly 23,992 students, representing a 1.7% increase from 2023.

“This enrollment increase is a credit to the faculty and staff who have worked so hard to retain our current students and enroll new Huskers,” Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett said in a UNL news release. “This is success that we can build upon as we press forward into a bright future for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.”

The university points to successful recruitment efforts and a strong retention rate as reasons for the enrollment increase.

According to the UNL release, the university has 19,305 undergraduate students registered — an increase of 1.8% from last fall; and 4,064 graduate students, an increase of 1.3%.

“Preliminary data indicates that a record-setting 86% of first-year students in 2023 have returned for their sophomore year,” the release states.

Various UNL colleges were also reported increases: 3,722 engineering undergraduates, a 9.1% gain; 2,373 students entering ag sciences and natural resources, a 2% increase; 3,825 in the business college, a 2.3% increase; 2,373 in education and human scciences, a 3.4% gain; 838 in fine and performing arts, a 3.1% gain; and 1,047 in the journalism college, a 6.9% increase.

The University of Nebraska-Omaha also reported enrollment numbers on Monday. A total of 14,972 students enrolled for the fall semester, which is just a hair below the 15,015 that came in a year ago. UNO saw a 0.9% decrease in undergraduate enrollment but a 1.9% increase in grad student sign-ups.

“This year’s enrollment data demonstrates measurable progress in strengthening Nebraska’s workforce development pipeline,” Chancellor Li said. “By strategically cultivating in-state talent and attracting learners from neighboring states, we are addressing critical workforce needs and positioning the state for sustainable growth. Enrollment increases in high-priority areas are a clear indicator that our efforts are aligning with long-term economic objectives for Nebraska.”

The university reported that the business college had an enrollment increases of 3.7%, while the education, and health and human sciences colloege was up 4.7%.

UNO also touted the success of the Omaha Urban Rate Tuition program, now heading into its second academic year. The OUR Tuition initiative pushed undergrad enrollment up 6.6% and increased grad student totals by 8.7%.

UNO also saw a 12.9% increase in transfer students, from 939 students in Fall 2023 to 1,060 in Fall 2024.

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