KU welcomes largest freshman class in history, grows enrollment to highest level since 2010

Colleagues,

I am writing to share some terrific news regarding enrollment at the University of Kansas.

Earlier today, the Kansas Board of Regents released annual data confirming that KU has its largest freshman class in history and its highest overall enrollment in 13 years.

Our record-breaking freshman class includes 5,259 new Jayhawks — a jump of 18% from last year — surpassing the 2008 class as the largest in KU history. In addition to its historic size, this class boasts an average high school GPA of 3.65 — a mere .01 off the all-time mark set in 2021 and 2022 — and is the most diverse class in history.

Beyond the freshman class, KU’s overall enrollment has grown 6.2% to 29,355, the highest mark since 2010. This increase includes a 6.7% increase at the Lawrence and Edwards campuses and a 3.2% increase at KU Medical Center.

In addition, this year’s data show an increase in retention rates for returning Jayhawks, as well as all-time-high graduation rates. I encourage you to read our full announcement to learn more.

Without question, this is a banner year for KU. We are pleased to welcome this historic freshman class and to have grown enrollment to the highest level in years. These numbers demonstrate that talented students from across the state and nation see the benefit of attending a leading research institution to prepare for their lives and careers.

Additionally, these numbers speak to the work you do to recruit students and support them once they become Jayhawks. The reality is, when it comes to recruitment and retention, everything we do matters. Whether it’s teaching, service, research, advising, donor engagement, campus maintenance or athletics, it all benefits our ability to recruit students and help them earn their degrees. That’s especially true this year as so many of you have worked to accommodate additional freshmen in our classrooms, residence halls and other spaces. And that’s why each of you deserves thanks for today’s great news.

On a day like today, it’s appropriate to pause and celebrate the work we’ve done. But we must remain focused on our efforts to recruit and retain students and create a university they want to attend. Higher education is facing some strong headwinds, and enrollments nationally are expected to drop in the coming years. That’s why we must continue to improve our university through our strategic priorities, which align with the Kansas Board of Regents’ strategic plan, the needs of Kansas businesses and communities, and our aspirations as one of the nation’s leading research institutions.

We are already thinking about next year’s freshman class, and we are accepting applications and scheduling visits for prospective students. We encourage prospective students to apply by the Dec. 1 scholarship deadline. Additionally, prospective students and parents are invited to attend our annual Crimson & Blue Day on Oct. 20.

Thank you for all you do to recruit students and help them succeed here as Jayhawks.

Respectfully,

Doug

Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor