UA Reaches Record 28,807 Students

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – With a record 28,807 students enrolled this fall, The University of Alabama continues to be the state’s largest university. Enrollment increased by 1,755 students, or 6.5 percent, over fall 2008, and this year’s freshman class once again increased in quality as well as size.

“Our enrollment is a tribute to our excellent faculty and staff and their dedication to our students,” said UA President Robert E. Witt. “We are pleased to welcome both new and returning students to campus this fall and look forward to a productive year.”

Enrollment at UA is up 47 percent since fall 2002. In continuing to achieve these record-breaking numbers, the university is following a carefully developed and executed growth plan that encompasses faculty, facilities and support functions. “Our goal is to make sure the ‘Alabama experience’ is a positive one for every student,” said Witt. “We are pleased that students and their families continue to see value in an education from The University of Alabama.”

Enrollment highlights include:

  • The entering freshman class, at 5,207, is the largest and most academically talented class in UA history.
  • The freshman class includes 102 National Merit Scholars and 25 National Achievement Scholars. Last year, UA ranked 11th in the nation among public universities in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars. The University is generally ranked in the top five public universities in the enrollment of National Achievement Scholars.
  • The freshman class includes 1,173 students with a 4.0 high school grade point average, up from 1,012 in fall 2008.  
  • The number of high school seniors applying for admission to UA for fall 2009 reached a record 19,518, up more than 165 percent over the 7,300 applications received for fall 2002. The percent of students admitted has decreased since 2002 as UA has become a more selective institution. 
  • Enrollment in graduate and first professional degree programs is 5,105, up from 4,709 last year.  
  • Total enrollment includes students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and more than 70 foreign countries.

Since January 2003, UA has opened 40 new buildings, including 10 new residence halls, two new dining halls, and four new academic buildings. UA has completed renovations and additions of 1,390,287 square feet. UA is in various stages of design and construction for new, renovated and additional space for eight facilities.

Contact

Cathy Andreen, director of media relations, 205/348-8322, candreen@ur.ua.edu