Southern Utah University Reports Strong Enrollment Trends

Southern Utah University (SUU) has reached a significant milestone, with its student population now totaling 15,825—a 2.47% increase from the previous fall.

 

This growth is highlighted in the latest third-week enrollment data released by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).

 

A key contributor to this surge is SUU's robust online program, which now serves over 3,691 fully online students, marking a new high for the institution in digital learning.

 

Additionally, the university experienced a 4.67% increase in incoming and transfer students.

 

President Mindy Benson emphasized the university's commitment to meeting the evolving educational needs of the state.

 

She stated, "We aren’t just counting heads; we’re demonstrating our ability to deliver flexible, high-quality pathways that make college accessible to every Utahn, from high school students to working professionals."

 

The positive enrollment trends are translating into real-world success for SUU graduates.

 

Employment rates for recent graduates are trending upward year-over-year, with 97.3% of recent graduates from SUU master's programs currently employed.

 

Kayla Schaugaard, a recent graduate with degrees in construction management and engineering technology, secured full-time employment as a project engineer for Layton Construction on the Iron County Jail project in Cedar City.

 

Reflecting on her experience, Schaugaard said, "The Construction Management program gave me valuable hands-on experience on job sites and connected me with internships early on."

 

Other highlights from SUU’s enrollment data include:

 

• 27.4% of students are first-generation college attendees.

 

• The student body represents all 29 counties in Utah, all 50 U.S. states, and 87 countries.

 

• The average undergraduate class size remains small, with an average of 19.8 students per class, ensuring a high level of personal attention.

 

Brandon Wright, Associate Vice President for Enrollment, remarked, "These numbers aren't just statistics; they're proof of the deliberate and personalized experience SUU works to deliver every day."

 

Southern Utah University continues to provide a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship.

 

Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future.

 

Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU’s safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community.

 

Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting.

 

This is where students soar.