A-State Achieves Record Spring 2025 Enrollment in University History

JONESBORO – Spring 2025 enrollment at Arkansas State University (A-State) continues to surge, with a record-breaking 16,073 students enrolled — a 10% increase over Spring 2024.

Chancellor Todd Shields confirmed this marks the largest spring enrollment in A-State history and the university's second consecutive spring semester of double-digit growth.

“This record-breaking Spring 2025 enrollment reflects the positive momentum Arkansas State continues to build. Our commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible education is stronger than ever, and we are proud to see more students choosing A-State to pursue their academic and career goals,” said Shields. “As we grow, we remain dedicated to meeting the needs of Arkansas and the broader region, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the state's communities and industries.”

Enrollment of students from Arkansas increased by 8.1%, with 9,452 in-state students, compared to 8,745 students last spring.

The university continues to expand its educational reach as online programs flourish. A-State Online grew 16.2% from Spring 2024 and boasts the largest online enrollment in the state.

Enrollment at campuses outside the United States is also growing, through Campus Queretaro in Mexico, which added 121 students, a 16% increase, bringing its total enrollment to 903.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin White Jr. expressed gratitude to faculty and staff for their contributions to A-State's continued enrollment growth.

“Collaboration among Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Student Life, and other key departments has played a vital role in supporting this growth. By working together across campus, we have strengthened student engagement, streamlined processes, and enhanced the overall A-State experience.” White continued, “This collective effort is creating a tangible impact, and it's exciting to see so many students choosing to become part of the Red Wolves family.”

In Jonesboro, the university has seen significant growth in academic areas that align with the needs of the local and statewide workforce.

The College of Nursing and Health Professions saw total enrollment increase by 27%, led by growth in social work, nursing, medical imaging, and radiologic sciences. The Neil Griffin College of Business — driven by growth in accounting, information systems, business analytics, management, marketing, and supply chain — reported a 12% increase. The College of Agriculture saw enrollment grow by 17%, with a 20% increase in students studying animal science.

Many of these students may be preparing to enroll in A-State's highly anticipated School of Veterinary Medicine, which will welcome its first class to campus in Fall 2026, pending successful accreditation. The university will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the 56,000-square-foot facility later this spring.

The Vietnam Office has also seen a surge in applications and enrollment from students in Vietnam and the region, reflecting strong demand for studying at A-State.

(According to Mr. Alex Nguyen, A-State Country Director in Vietnam)

A-State also continues to see all-time-high demand for on-campus housing. The number of on-campus residents increased by 8% compared to Spring 2024. A 93% retention rate from Fall 2024 shows that living on campus, close to classes and resources, leads to better academic outcomes for students.

A-State continues to focus on additional ways to improve student retention and overall well-being. In Fall 2024, the university launched a new AI-powered SMS chatbot. Students can connect with the chatbot on topics such as academics, financial aid, and student services. Since then, 97% of students have remained opted in, and the chatbot has exchanged more than 18,600 text messages with students.

The program has proven its value, with 1,735 students connecting with on-campus tools, saving university staff more than 150 work hours. Meanwhile, 534 students were proactively identified by A-State's mental health and academic support team for in-person visits.

“At A-State, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to support students and help them thrive. Tools like our AI-powered chatbot allow us to meet students wherever they are, providing real-time support for their academic and personal needs,” said Dr. Nikesha Nesbitt, Dean of University College. “Every Red Wolf Counts, and by leveraging technology alongside our dedicated support teams, we ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed on their college journey.”

As A-State grows, several student-centered initiatives are being developed. These initiatives include a newly planned website, an improved prospective student information dashboard, and a new website for the university's student community. Each project is designed to help students find the tools and information they need from the university and connect with others in the campus community.

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More details: https://www.astate.edu/news/a-state-announces-largest-spring-enrollment-in-university-history