Utah sees an overall increase in enrollment across its public universities

Enrollment across Utah’s public higher education institutions has risen once again with fall 2025 enrollment reaching 216,116 students across the state’s eight degree-giving institutions.

This year’s number is an increase of 4.2% from last year’s total enrollment of 207,005, according to data from the Utah System of Higher Education that was released on Monday.

Seven of the state’s eight higher education institutions saw an individual increase in enrollment over the last year.

The only school that didn’t see an increase was Snow College, which this year has an enrollment of 5,561, a decrease of 0.3% from last year’s 5,577.

Salt Lake Community College saw the greatest increase between last year and this year. The school’s fall 2025 enrollment is 31,473 students, which is a 14.71% increase from 2024’s enrollment of 27,437.

SLCC’s enrollment this year is the highest since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge included growth across all student categories such as concurrent enrollment and new and returning students.

“I’m proud to see our enrollment numbers rise so significantly this fall,” said SLCC President Greg Peterson, according to a release from the school.

“This growth in new and returning students reflects the college’s continued commitment to creating an environment where students can thrive. Whether they’re here to transfer to a four-year university, earn a certificate, or enter the workforce, SLCC is an excellent launchpad setting our students up for future success.”

Utah Valley University has the highest enrollment numbers in the state; this year, there are 48,670 students enrolled. The school has seen a 3.98% increase from 2024’s enrollment, which was 46,809.

The University of Utah also saw a 3.48% increase in enrollment from 36,970 in 2024 to 38,257 in 2025. This year is the highest enrollment rate in the school’s history.

“Enrollment growth only matters when it leads to student success,” said Paul Kohn, senior vice provost for strategic enrollment and student success, according to a release from the school.

“We’re investing in every stage of the student journey — from access and affordability to academic support and career readiness — to help students reach graduation in a timely and meaningful way,” he added.

Utah State University welcomed its largest-ever group of first-year students from Utah this year. The university’s total enrollment across its statewide system is 29,831 this year, which is a 3.2% increase from 28,900 last year.

“USU’s strong fall enrollment reflects Utah State’s persistent commitment to access and opportunity,” interim President Alan L. Smith said, per a release from the university. “As a land-grant institution, we take pride in opening doors for students from every corner of our state and online, ensuring that higher education remains a powerful force for improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.”

Southern Utah University’s student body increased 2.47% from 15,444 students last year to 15,825 students this year.

Weber State University also has more students enrolled than ever this year, with a total enrollment of 33,293. This is a 1.81% increase from fall 2024, when 32,701 students were enrolled.

“Other universities across the country are seeing declines in enrollment, but Weber State is seeing an uptick,” said Jessica Oyler, vice president of Student Access & Success, according to a release from the university. “That really shows the value of regional public universities like Weber. We’re serving folks right here in our community, and our community directly benefits from it.”

The school that saw the smallest increase in enrollment was Utah Tech University, which saw a 0.3% increase. This year’s enrollment is 13,207 and last year’s was 13,167.