Hunter
09/11/26
The University of Iowa and Iowa State have reported smaller student bodies and freshman classes compared to last year.
The Gazette reports there was better news at the University of Northern Iowa, where aggressive efforts to attract neighboring-state students helped their numbers rise in both categories. Their nearly 9400 student total is 1.7% higher than last year, but still nowhere near its peak enrollment of over 14,000 in 2001. UNI debuted a new program last year that offers in-state tuition rates to freshmen and new transfers from six neighboring states. That’s a savings of over $12,500 on base tuition and fees.
UI Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Brent Gage on Thursday reported 32,000 first-year applications for this fall — despite its dip in freshmen. Total enrollment was announced at 31,382, down 181 students from last year.
Iowa State’s enrollment dropped by 333.
Officials are expecting an enrollment cliff to occur in the coming years. Iowa is anticipating a slight 4% drop in high school graduates between 2023-2041; but during that same time span, Illinois is expecting a 32% drop. Illinois historically sends thousands of students to Iowa to pursue their secondary education.