TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana State University’s overall enrollment numbers decreased compared to last fall, but officials said they remain encouraged by other promising statistics.
That’s according to an ISU news release stating a total headcount of 7,895 for the fall of 2024 enrollment, reflecting a 4.94% decrease from last fall.
When looking at previous enrollment, the total headcount is down from 8,305 enrolled in the fall of 2023, 8,658 in the fall of 2022, and 9,459 in the fall of 2021.
The slight decline in overall enrollment is attributed to several factors, including a nationwide delay in FAFSA filing, lower birth rates from the early to mid-2000s (students at the current college age), and a declining college-going rate throughout Indiana. According to data from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, only 53% of graduating seniors choose to attend a college or university. Indiana’s college-going rate was 65% in 2015.
Indiana State University media release
In the fall of 2023, ISU showed an increase in freshman enrollment, with 1,568 first-time, full-time students; that number dropped to 1,419 this year. The freshman class represents 47.2% of first-generation college students, 53.2% of whom are Pell-eligible.
Dr. Mike Godard, the president of Indiana State University, acknowledged the challenges higher education institutions face nationwide, including declining college-going rates and demographic shifts, but expressed confidence in the university’s resilience. “As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, Indiana State University will focus on key opportunities: expanding our high-quality programs, strategic program growth to meet workforce needs, and enhancing the globalization of our campus by increasing online and flexible learning opportunities.”
Despite the steady decline, ISU shows growth in the Honors College, enrolling 347 freshman students in the program—24.5% of the class.
“The students in the Honors College are students who could attend any university, yet they are disproportionately choosing Indiana State for the personalized and rigorous educational experience we offer and the unique opportunities for experiential learning with our world-class faculty in world-class facilities,” stated Dr. Christopher Olsen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Godard highlighted the Indiana State Advantage Program in his first semester as university president. The program is said to provide substantial financial aid, including free tuition for Pell-eligible students across the Midwest with at least a 2.75 GPA.
“Our focus remains on making high-quality education accessible and affordable for all students,” Godard stated. “I am excited to announce new initiatives to simplify the process for students to choose Indiana State University.”
According to the release, the new initiative includes eliminating the $25 application fee for domestic undergraduate students, automatic, preferred admission for undergraduate students with a 3.0 or above GPA, and reorganizing leadership in enrollment management with the reintroduction of the Vice President of Enrollment Management.
The release noted the following numbers concerning the fall semester enrollment;
- Total enrollment for Fall 2024 is 7,895
- Total undergraduate enrollment is 6,224.
- Total graduate enrollment is a 2.1% increase.
- Honors College enrollment is up by 5.3%.
- International student enrollment is up by 15.3%.
- 5,569 students are Indiana residents.
- Full-time undergraduate enrollment has experienced a decrease of 3.5%.
- Full-time graduate student enrollment is down by 2.4%.
“As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, Indiana State University will focus on key opportunities: expanding our high-quality programs, strategic program growth to meet workforce needs, and enhancing the globalization of our campus by increasing online and flexible learning opportunities,” Godard said.
