USI enrollment continues to grow

For the second year in a row, the University of Southern Indiana has seen an increase in its overall enrollment and first-time freshmen enrollment, as well as record graduate enrollment. 

Combined, undergraduate, graduate and dual credit enrollment totaling 9,489 is up 2.2% from Fall 2023. The 1,321 first-time freshmen enrolled marks an increase of 3.0% over 2023, continuing to build on last year’s 2.6% rise. USI also saw a significant 6.6% increase in the number of students transferring from other institutions, reflecting the University’s growing appeal to students seeking to continue their education. For the second year in a row, a record number of students are enrolled in graduate programs—1,886—an increase of 1.7% over 2023.  

"We are thrilled to report an increase for the second consecutive year, a testament to the University's dedication to providing a high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of students,” said Steve Bridges, USI Interim President. “This year, we also saw an increase in our first-year retention rate and a record on time four-year graduation rate. This growth not only highlights the strength and appeal of our academic programs but also underscores the commitment of our faculty and staff to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students." 

The University continues to see increases in the diversity of its student body with students of color and international students making up 19.0% of the student population, a record for the second-consecutive year. 

“The increases we’ve seen over the past decade in terms of underrepresented populations reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment,” said Troy Miller, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management. “We have seen a rise in the enrollment of students from a wide array of backgrounds, cultures and experiences, enriching our academic community and broadening perspectives within the classroom.” 

The University is also welcoming an academically qualified Class of 2028 with an average GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. This highlights a continued trend of drawing students with exceptional academic goals and ambitions, reinforcing USI’s status as a leading destination for top-performing students. 

In 25 high schools across the state, 2,256 students are enrolled in dual credit through the College Achievement Program (CAP)—an increase of 11.5% from 2023. The University continues to see a larger percentage of its freshmen class coming in with CAP credit.  

Students at USI represent 88 Indiana counties, 47 states and 48 countries. In-state students comprise 75.3% of the student body, with out-of-state and international students making up the remaining 24.7%.