OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University (UVU) saw a 3.61% growth in enrollment, with a record 44,653 students registering for the 2023 fall semester, according to the annual report just released by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). 

The strong fall enrollment follows one of the university’s largest graduating classes in May 2023, with 8,517 students receiving a total of 9,629 degrees and certificates.

“UVU’s year-over-year enrollment growth demonstrates that Utahns continue to value our model of education,” said Astrid S. Tuminez, president of UVU. “Not only are we attracting new students, we are also retaining our existing students at a higher rate. We offer an accessible, affordable, and relevant education with a focus on engaged learning that leads to employment after graduation. We know — and our students know — that a diploma from UVU sets them on a path for success in work and life.”

UVU’s enrollment report showed the following trends:

• More First-Generation Students: Over one-third of UVU students are first generation, meaning they are the first in their family to attend college.
• More Students from Underrepresented Communities:
  • Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian student population increased by 26%
  • Asian population grew by 10%
  • Hispanic/Latino population grew by 8%
• More STEM Majors: One-third of students are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
• More On-line Learning Options: While more students are returning to in-person learning, a 7% increase, a growing number of UVU students are taking advantage of online learning options. This fall 27% of classes were offered online with an additional 9% offered hybrid — a combination of in-person and online.
• More Concurrent Enrollment Students: There was also a 13.4% increase in high school concurrent enrollment students this year.
• Non-Traditional Student Enrollment Remained Strong: 18% of UVU students are 25 or older.

“UVU’s tuition is among the lowest in the state and we are committed to keeping college affordable so that as many students as possible can enjoy the benefits of education. Our students recognize the value of UVU’s high-quality education that includes faculty mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and small class sizes,” Tuminez said. “We subscribe to exceptional care at UVU, and I believe that makes all the difference.”