NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) has reported a record-breaking enrollment for the fall 2025 semester, reaching 15,844 students. This marks an increase of 825 students, or 5.49 percent, compared to last year’s figures and surpasses the previous high of 15,250 set in 2012.

According to data from Census Day—the official date for tallying enrollment across North Dakota University System institutions—UND continues to be the leading choice for residents of North Dakota. The university saw significant growth among students from both North Dakota and Minnesota, its primary recruiting regions.

Janelle Kilgore, vice provost for Strategic Enrollment Management at UND, commented on the achievement: “Enrollment at our university has reached new heights, a clear sign that students are choosing our community for its academic excellence, welcoming environment and exceptional opportunities for growth. I am extremely proud of our campus!”

Art Malloy, vice president for Student Affairs at UND, attributed the increase to several factors: “I attribute our record enrollment to our exceptional academic experience, our hard-working and dedicated enrollment management team, strong collaboration between faculty and staff, outstanding facilities, a wide range of opportunities for meaningful student engagement, and the strength of our leadership.”

Undergraduate numbers drove much of this growth with an increase of 804 students—a rise of 7.3 percent over Fall 2024. The retention rate for first-year full-time students stands at 83.34 percent from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025. While this represents a slight decline from last year’s rate due to a larger freshman class in Fall 2024, university officials said it was expected.

Karyn Plumm, vice provost for Undergraduate Studies & Student Success at UND stated: “Advisors and student-support staff are proud that students continue to put their trust in UND for their educational journey. We work hard to ensure that we are meeting students where they are and helping them take their next steps toward success.”

Graduate student enrollment remained mostly stable with only five fewer total graduate students than last year; however, there were 23 more new graduate enrollees.

This fall also saw UND welcome its largest incoming freshman class ever recorded—2,508 new freshmen—which is an increase of 148 over the previous record set in 2012 and up by 303 compared to last year.

Eric Link, UND provost and vice president for Academic Affairs remarked: “It is an honor to welcome record-setting enrollment to the University of North Dakota this fall.” He continued: “The 5.49% growth over last year reflects the quality of the academic programming available to both undergraduate and graduate students. It also serves as a testament to the outstanding support services, student life and engagement opportunities, and the commitment UND has to the success of its students.

“The University of North Dakota continues to be a place where faculty care about their students, staff work to support students, and students can grow, thrive – and change the world.”

President Andy Armacost expressed gratitude toward those involved in achieving these milestones: “I am so grateful to our faculty, staff, students and everyone else who has contributed to our incredible success, and for the amazing support of our community and alumni,” Armacost said.