Published September 19, 2024
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe is celebrating a record setting enrollment increase.
Fall 2024 enrollment at ULM has increased 4% over Fall 2023. Enrollment is up across
a number of sectors including first-time freshmen, international students, the ULM
Honors Program, and the graduate school.
“It is remarkable what can be achieved when people with shared values and a commitment
to a common goal and vision come together,” said ULM President Dr. Ron Berry. “I celebrate
and offer my sincerest thanks to the incredible ULM community that works diligently
each and every day to maintain an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and intentionally
and strategically focused on improving lives—at meeting people where they are and
helping them get to where they deserve to be. This shared commitment, from all areas
across campus, has led to more students entrusting us to lead and support them on
their higher education journey. Thank you to all whose work proves every day that
the best is truly on the bayou,” stated Berry.
“It has been very difficult to control the excitement regarding the anticipation of
this extraordinary announcement,” said Lisa Miller, ULM Vice President of Enrollment
Management and University Relations. “We often say that ULM is a family and if we
have the opportunity to encourage prospective students to visit campus, we know the
entire ULM community will win them over. Every day we are honored to share with students
and their families about the incredible opportunities we offer both in the classroom
and with our extracurricular programs. This is a win for every Warhawk. The entire
campus is to be commended for us exceeding our goals!” said Miller.
First-time freshman enrollment jumped 22%, an increase bolstered by the largest international
freshman class ever. International freshman enrollment more than doubled, with a 110%
increase from 2023 to 2024. There was also significant growth in first-time freshmen
from every region of Louisiana.
The ULM Graduate School is boasting its largest-ever enrollment, with an increase
of 9% over Fall 2023. “We have the right ecosystem – a great mix of programs, hard-working
Graduate School staff, retention assistance, and the support of the faculty and administration,”
said Dr. Sushma Krishnamurthy, Dean of the ULM Graduate School. “Our enrollment speaks
to the value of a graduate degree at ULM,” she added.
The ULM Honors program enrollment has increased 35% since Fall 2023, including its
largest-ever freshman class of 212 students this year. Honors freshman enrollment
increased by 61%. International students comprise 33% of the Honors Program freshman
class.
The Fall 2024 semester also marks a record high for President’s Distinguished students,
with a 52% increase over Fall 2023. These are students who scored 30 or above on the
ACT. Additionally, the Dual Enrollment program increased 4%, with one of its highest-ever
enrollments this semester, while transfer students increased by 12%.
The 2024 enrollment increases continue an upward trend for ULM. The university has
been working to rebound since the COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in enrollment
for higher education institutions across the country.
“Three years ago, representatives from ULM and from the region participated in creating
a strategic plan to position ULM for the future,” said Lisa Miller. “The historical
numbers that were achieved this year can be directly related back to the initiatives
outlined in the plan. This win will inspire everyone to spread the word that The Best
is on the Bayou!”
