UA Little Rock Sees Significant Growth in Freshmen and Transfer Enrollment for Fall 2024
![UA Little Rock students spend time on Trojan Way during the Fall 2024 semester. Photo by Benjamin Krain.](https://ualr.edu/news/files/2024/08/Marketing-setups-Trojan-Way-2024_1015.jpg)
UA Little Rock’s preliminary fall 2024 enrollment data reveals substantial growth in both freshman and transfer student populations, underscoring the success of the university’s ongoing efforts to prioritize affordability and access.
Preliminary figures show a remarkable 26.6% increase in first-time freshmen, with enrollment rising from 353 to 447 students. Transfer student enrollment also saw a strong 18.3% growth, growing from 656 to 776 students. Overall undergraduate enrollment increased by 3.5%, from 5,255 to 5,439 students. However, graduate enrollment experienced a decline, dropping from 1,546 to 1,441 students, primarily due to a decrease in international student numbers. Early enrollment data also indicate an overall increase in student headcount and credit hours for fall 2024. These figures do not include concurrent high school students or those enrolled at the Bowen School of Law.
“This enrollment growth is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and administration,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “Everyone at UA Little Rock has contributed to creating an environment that not only attracts students but supports their success, and these enrollment figures reflect that collective effort.”
Last year, UA Little Rock launched the Trojan Guarantee, a scholarship initiative covering full tuition for Pell-eligible students. This builds on the Half-Off Scholarship, introduced in 2020, offering substantial tuition reductions without income requirements.
“UA Little Rock continues to lead in affordability, and we are thrilled to see more families choosing our institution due to an unwavering commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive, and high-quality education,” said Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “The growth in freshman and transfer student numbers highlights how UA Little Rock’s focus on accessibility and excellence makes a higher education credential attainable for more students. Our efforts to lower financial barriers empower more students to take full advantage of the opportunities at UA Little Rock.”
In recent years, UA Little Rock has significantly invested in upgrading academic facilities, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding internship opportunities. These initiatives, coupled with the university’s strategic emphasis on affordability, resonate with students and their families who recognize the unique benefits of studying in Arkansas’s Capital City.
“We’ve worked diligently to balance enhancing affordability and improving the quality of our academic and campus environment,” Dr. Decker added. “It’s gratifying to see that these investments are paying off, as more students are choosing UA Little Rock as their destination for higher education.”