University Of Arkansas Enrollment Tops 26,000

The University of Arkansas reported preliminary enrollment figures at its Fayetteville campus of 26,301 students for the fall semester.

Officials said the enrollment was 3.8% higher from year ago levels and reached a new high for the school.

“There is no question that we have grown quickly over the last several years,” said UA Chancellor David Gearhart. “This is not by accident, but part of a long-term plan we put in place to increase the size, quality and academic reputation of the university. Improving our graduation and retention rates will be a major point of emphasis for us between now and 2021.”

Saying the growth rate was “sustainable,” Gearhart noted that the enrollment figures continue to show improvement in both academic quality and diversity of the student body.

Since 2008, University of Arkansas enrollment has increased by 37%, or by 7,100 new students. Officials said this fall’s freshman class of 4,579 students set a new record, according to the preliminary numbers, with five students more than the 2012 class, which was itself the previous record-setting freshman class.