For the second consecutive year, Washington State University welcomed more new first-year students than the prior fall semester.
After surpassing 4,200 new first-year students last fall – the highest level since 2019 – WSU further improved this semester, enrolling 4,350 new first-year students. With a 16% increase compared to fall 2023, WSU Tri-Cities led the way in new first-year student growth, followed by WSU Pullman at a 2.4% increase.
Overall enrollment across the WSU system declined by 3%, however, as record-setting first-year classes of students from just prior to the pandemic complete their studies and graduate.
In spite of the overall enrollment figures, the Tri-Cities and Everett campuses increased the number of total students by 3.3% and 11.8%, respectively.
Fall enrollment figures also show WSU continues to primarily serve the State of Washington’s higher education needs, with the proportion of Washington residents enrolled systemwide eclipsing 81% this fall, with several campuses enrolling upwards of 94% students from within the state.
“Two consecutive years of growth in new first-year students shows we have momentum in spite of challenges like the rollout of a new FAFSA process,” Chris Riley-Tillman, provost and executive vice president, said. “We will continue to capitalize on our strengths as a multi-campus, land grant institution to attract, retain, and graduate the next generation of Cougars.”
Members of the Washington State University Board of Regents will learn more about the fall 2024 enrollment report during next Thursday’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting.
“As we persist in telling our story and sharing the tremendous benefits of being a part of the WSU community, I have no doubt we’ll continue to see larger incoming classes each fall across the system,” Riley-Tillman said.
The complete slate of Board of Regents meetings Sept. 19-20 will be available to watch in-full online.
