CEDAR CITY — More students than ever are attending Southern Utah University as the current student population has exceeded 15,000.
SUU experienced a 4.9% enrollment increase and leads the state again in year-to-year growth, according to third-week enrollment data released by the Utah System of Higher Education.
“We are excited for this steady growth and will continue to elevate SUU’s profile as a high-quality public university in the state,” SUU President Mindy Benson said in a news release. “Students are choosing SUU for our commitment to access, affordability, academic programs and most of all the student-centric experience where we offer small class sizes and educators who are invested in mentoring our students for their future careers.”
The majority of SUU’s growth came from a 26% enrollment increase in the university’s online programs, the news release said. In recent years, SUU has focused on expanding flexible online offerings to meet the needs of its students. Some 35.5% of all students take only online courses. Additionally, the university’s commitment to offering high-quality, affordable online degrees allows students worldwide access to accredited education at competitive prices.
According to the news release, statistics show the following about SUU:
- Undergraduate students come from all 29 Utah counties and all 50 U.S. states.
- Undergraduate enrollment increased by 8%, the largest growth in the state.
- The average undergraduate class size is 21 students.
- The average high school GPA for first-time freshman is 3.57.
- SUU’s student population is 24% first-generation.
“Over the last several years, SUU has experienced growth both on campus and online,” Stuart Jones, SUU vice president for advancement and enrollment management, said in the news release. “I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work the enrollment and retention teams make every day to recruit students here and help them persist until graduation.”
Graduate programs have also achieved 18% growth in student enrollment, also the largest in the state. In fall 2023, top graduate programs, such as business administration, music technology, accountancy, education and interdisciplinary studies, reflect SUU’s dedication to developing academic programs that lead to successful careers, the news release said.
SUU’s international student headcount also increased from 748 to 832 students this year, which is an 11.2% increase. International students are from 85 different countries and territories.
SUU has more than 150 undergraduate programs and 32 graduate and certificate programs. Additionally, SUU also offers a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology — the only Psy.D. program in the state of Utah.
“Students and parents realize that SUU offers an incredible academic experience where students are set up to thrive from day one,” Stuart said.
Click here to read the statewide report.