From staff reports For the fifth consecutive year, Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities reported an increase in student enrollment for the fall semester.
In fall 2025, the state system of higher education has seen an increase in enrollment at all tiers: two-year colleges, regional universities and research universities.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Fall 2025 preliminary enrollment report shows that headcount enrollment is up 3.6% compared to last fall, with more than 175,000 students enrolled.
At Chickasha’s University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, total enrollment for the fall semester this year is 1,075, a 5% increase from the headcount of 1,026 at the same time last year, school records show. Compared to the fall 2020 headcount, enrollment has increased by 47%.
Freshman enrollment has grown by 18%: from 240 last September to 283 this month. Compared to the fall 2020 semester, though, freshman enrollment has soared by 119%.
Full-time equivalent enrollments (12 hours or more) have increased by 7%: from 909 last fall to 977 this fall. In addition, total credit-hour production has risen by 7% during the same period: from 13,635 to 14,653.
Compared to the fall 2020 semester, both FTE enrollment and total credit hours at USAO have climbed by 45%.
“Continued growth in enrollment across Oklahoma’s public higher education institutions clearly demonstrates that Oklahomans recognize the value of a college degree,” State Regents’ chair Courtney Warmington said. “Our colleges and universities offer high-quality, affordable academic pathways, and we commend their dedication to helping more students pursue meaningful careers and achieve their goals.”
While official enrollment data is reported to the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System annually, the OSRHE collect preliminary enrollment information that can be reviewed and analyzed closer to the beginning of each semester rather than after the semester has concluded.
The preliminary enrollment report reveals that from fall 2024 to fall 2025, headcount enrollment at the state’s research universities increased 4.7%; at public regional universities, 1.2%; and at community colleges, 4.3%.
Both preliminary full-time equivalent and freshman enrollment also increased from fall 2024 to fall 2025 at public institutions. FTE enrollment increased 4.5% across the state system, and freshman enrollment rose 4.1%.
“While campuses across the nation are enrolling fewer first-year students, freshman enrollment at Oklahoma public colleges and universities is increasing,” Chancellor Sean Burrage said.
The report also shows that the number of high school students concurrently enrolled in Oklahoma public institutions increased 8.3%, and the total number of concurrent enrollment credit hours attempted increased 8.9% from fall 2024 to fall 2025.