NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) reported record-setting first-day enrollment numbers as the academic year began, with both total student headcount and incoming freshman figures reaching new highs.

According to preliminary data released by the university, UND’s first-day headcount was 15,440 students. This figure represents an increase of 716 students, or 4.86%, over last year’s number and surpasses the previous all-time census high of 15,250 set in fall 2012. The incoming freshman class also set a record at 2,534 students—174 more than the prior record of 2,360 from fall 2012 and a 14% rise compared to last year.

These numbers are provisional; official enrollment will be confirmed on September 22 when the North Dakota University System conducts its Census Day count.

“UND is celebrating a record-breaking freshman class and overall enrollment, a true reflection of our welcoming, collaborative community and the strong support systems that help students succeed,” said Janelle Kilgore, vice provost of Strategic Enrollment Management. “From personalized recruitment and advising to exceptional academic programs and student resources, UND creates an environment where every student can thrive inside and outside the classroom. We’re excited to welcome our students back on campus and into classes for an incredible year ahead.”

While undergraduate growth was significant, some categories saw declines compared to last year: total graduate student enrollment dropped by 40 to reach 3,374, while new transfer students decreased by 25 to total 1,049. However, both the Law School (243 students) and Medical School (284 students) saw gains in their enrollments.

New graduate student numbers rose by 31 this year for a total of 745.

“What is remarkable about the enrollment growth here at UND is not the number itself, as impressive as it may be,” said Eric Link, UND provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “What sets UND apart is the dynamic nature of our campus, the quality of our academic programming, the support and opportunities we provide to our students and, most importantly, the dedication and drive of the students themselves. This is a special place, and the fact that students continue to choose UND as their university — their academic home — is a testament to the quality and impact UND is making in the region and across the globe.”

Additional details about this year's freshman class include nine Army ROTC national scholars—the highest number ever at UND—and five National Merit Scholars among those enrolled this fall. Twenty-three freshmen were named Presidential Leadership Fellows; each will receive up to $16,000 in scholarships over four years if program standards are met.

Thirty percent of this year's freshmen are Presidential Scholars due to strong high school grades or test scores—up from twenty-three percent last year. There has also been an increase in freshmen from both North Dakota and Minnesota along with more than thirty percent growth in military-affiliated freshman enrollment.

“UND is a special place,” said Art Malloy, vice president for Student Affairs. “Though we are a large university, our strong sense of community makes us feel much smaller and more connected. Our facilities are second to none, and our faculty and staff are exceptional. We truly care for one another, and this includes students, faculty and staff alike.”