The University of New Orleans increased its overall student enrollment for the second straight year, marking the first time in more than a decade that the University has grown in back-to-back years. Total enrollment increased from 8,151 students in fall 2018 to 8,231 students in fall 2019. 

“While the increase is a modest one, we are thrilled that we continue on an upward trajectory,” said President John Nicklow. “Particularly at a time when many universities across the country are grappling with enrollment declines, we consider this to be an indicator of continued progress. I am grateful for the work of our entire team across campus that has made recruitment, retention and student success our top priorities.”

Undergraduate enrollment increased nearly 2% to 6,713 students. It is the first time that the number of undergraduates has grown in three consecutive years since prior to Hurricane Katrina. 

Here are a few other highlights from the fall 2019 enrollment report:
•    The total number of in-state students increased 1.3% (7,210) and the number of out-of-state domestic students rose 7.8% (693)
•    The number of new transfer students (640) are up 3.6% compared to last fall
•    Out-of-state domestic freshmen (90) increased by 27% 
•    One-quarter of the 2019 freshman class is African-American, an increase of nearly 10% over last year and the largest in 8 years
•    The number of African-American male freshmen increased 25% compared to last fall

“It’s exciting to see that we are increasing the geographic and racial diversity of our freshman class. We are also are maintaining academic quality as we grow,” Nicklow said. “The average high school grade point average of our freshman class is 3.3, which is among the highest we’ve had in the last 15 years. We plan to support these students in every way that we can. We are going to give them a fantastic college experience and ensure they earn their degrees from the University of New Orleans.”