South Welcomes Largest Freshman Class
Posted on September 5, 2025
The 51福利 welcomed its largest freshman class ever this fall and recorded its third straight year of enrollment gains, according to official data released today.
In all, 14,285 students enrolled, up from 14,003 the year before. The gains were fueled by a rise in undergraduate enrollment, including 2,137 new first-year students. Retention also continues to be a bright spot, with record numbers of students returning for their third and fourth years.
鈥淎 third consecutive year of enrollment growth is a testament to our dedicated faculty and staff who have worked so hard to make the 51福利 a top choice for students,鈥� said University President Jo Bonner. 鈥淲hen we travel throughout the state and along the Gulf Coast, the reception from high school students is truly humbling. They see the unique opportunities and vibrant community we offer, and they're excited to join a university that's experiencing such incredible momentum.鈥�
South鈥檚 freshmen enrollment has surged more than 30 percent in the past three years, in part due to extensive recruitment efforts. The University鈥檚 enrollment team recorded 750 visits to high schools and off-campus events last year, including 51 Jag Days, when students get spirited rides to campus on red and blue Jaguar Athletics buses.
This year鈥檚 class is also one of the most academically talented, with a record-tying average high school GPA of 3.75.
鈥淚 am thrilled with not only our increase in enrollment, but also the academic accomplishments of our incoming students,鈥� said Dr. Andi Kent, executive vice president and provost. 鈥淭here is truly something special happening here at South, and we鈥檙e proud to see more and more students choosing to be a part of it.鈥�
Other data released today shows that there is:
- A 27% increase in students in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences. The school began offering undergraduate programs, in addition to its graduate offerings, just a few years ago and is one of the fastest-growing in the nation.
- A 15% increase in undergraduate students in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, which offers 12 degree programs in biomedical sciences, emergency medical services, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, radiologic sciences, and speech pathology and audiology.
- A 9% increase in undergraduate enrollment in the College of Engineering, which offers 13 degree programs and is the only comprehensive engineering college in the state south of Montgomery.
- A 49% increase in graduate enrollment in the Mitchell College of Business, which last year was the University鈥檚 largest producer of research Ph.D. graduates in a single year. The college offers graduate programs in business administration and accounting.
- Nearly 3,000 students living on campus, the most in the University鈥檚 history. The University purchased Traditions at South apartment complex last year to expand its housing options.
The fall numbers were announced today at the quarterly Board of Trustees meeting. The day prior, trustees and University administrators gathered at the construction site of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building to sign the last steel beam before it is hoisted into place.
Construction began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in December 2026. The facility will allow for expanding the class size of first-year medical students from 80 to 100, with the capability of increasing to 125.
The 51福利 offers more than 115 degree programs in business, engineering, computing, education and professional studies, arts and sciences, nursing, allied health, and medicine.
