Fall 2016 enrollment in the University System of Georgia’s 29 colleges and universities totaled 321, 551 students, an increase of 1.1 percent (or 3,531 more students) over fall 2015. This fall’s enrollment continues a trend, for three years in a row, of modest increases in student enrollment in the University System of Georgia. This fall’s enrollment also marks the first time headcount and full-time equivalent enrollment both surpass the University System’s former enrollment peak of fall 2011.

“This is the third consecutive year we’ve seen our fall enrollment grow,” said Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “As we expand access to public higher education, we are seeing an increase in high school students getting an early start, as well as a larger number of students pursuing graduate degrees.”

The enrollment numbers were released in the System’s “Fall 2016 Semester Enrollment Report,” which breaks down enrollment by institution, class, race and ethnicity, in-state, out-of-state and international students, as well as gender and age.

Dual enrollment, which allows students to earn college credit while in high school, increased from 7,916 students in fall 2015 to 10,352 students in fall 2016, a more than 30 percent increase. The increase can be attributed to the Move on When Ready program, which streamlines dual enrollment programs and removes financial barriers for students. Graduate programs also contributed to the fall 2016 enrollment increase with 46,383 students, which is 5 percent over fall 2015.

Meanwhile, enrollment patterns varied by the institutions of the University System of Georgia, with enrollment increases at 20 institutions and decreases at nine institutions.

The full enrollment report: BOR-USG_Fall_2016_Enrollment.pdf.