2026 University of Louisiana enrollment, academic strength of freshmen class increase again

[NewsCopy]

For the third consecutive year, the University of Louisiana set an enrollment record and saw the academic preparedness of its freshman class climb.

Overall enrollment for the Fall 2016 semester is 19,188.

Enrollment in degree-seeking programs is 17,614, which is 106 more students than Fall 2015. Though a modest gain over last year, the number represents a three-year 5 percent enrollment increase following a 1 percent dip that occurred when UL implemented tougher academic admissions standards in 2012.

“As a result of changes we made four years ago, UL has grown into a stronger academic institution,” said Dr. DeWayne Bowie, the University’s vice president for Enrollment Management. “With our current admissions criteria, we’ve attracted better-prepared students while growing our enrollment each year.”

The Fall 2016 freshman class, the third largest in school history, has 3,024 students. It also has a record number of high school valedictorians and is the most academically prepared incoming class.

More than 160 valedictorians are enrolled as freshmen, a 44 percent increase over last years’ unsurpassed total of 111. Also, 626 first-time freshmen enrolled in the University’s Honors Program, which is 89 percent more than the 332 first-time freshmen who joined last year.

The freshman class has the best-ever, high school cumulative GPA – 3.39 – and highest average ACT composite score, 23.87.

“Attracting quality students from near and far is a testament to Louisiana's wider-known reputation as a premier academic and research institution,” said Bowie.

He noted that the number of transfer students, as well as applicants from out of the area, is on the rise.

Students transferring into UL from two- and four-year colleges increased by 17 percent.

The University had a 5 percent increase in applications from the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas, which already had more than 20 percent gains the previous year. There was a 14 percent jump in applications from Texas, and a 25 percent increase from the Gulf Coast states from Mississippi to Florida.

“While our plan is to enhance recruitment efforts locally, and we did that with an 11 percent increase in applications from Lafayette Parish, we are also focused on continually expanding into other markets in Louisiana, the U.S. and abroad,” said Bowie.

Louisiana.edu

[Turbine]

This is directly related to the success of athletics.

These students were half way through their senior year when UL stumbled in football. It didn't hurt their overall exposure to the school.

This sustained boost is the benefit of 4-Straight bowls, National rankings in Baseball and softball and to a lesser degree, post season play in basketball.

It kept Louisiana in front of these students year round for almost their entire high school career.

[CajunEXPRESS]

The only post season basketball ball that could possibly get their attention was the EP NCAA year

[Turbine]

The only post season basketball ball that could possibly get their attention was the EP NCAA year

Didn't need to "get their attention" Anything that creates extra newsprint and online content is good for recruiting students.

[Redgineer]

This is directly related to the success of athletics.

These students were half way through their senior year when UL stumbled in football. It didn't hurt their overall exposure to the school.

This sustained boost is the benefit of 4-Straight bowls, National rankings in Baseball and softball and to a lesser degree, post season play in basketball.

It kept Louisiana in front of these students year round for almost their entire high school career.

Do you hear that Martin Hall?

[Boomer]

Give DeWayne Bowie a raise NOW---Guys don't forget HUD Speak---Our enrollment is 20K---20K----20K---just wondering if there are the stats for the other schools that someone might have for 2016???

[ULGrad@HOU]

Students love to have a strong Athletic presence at their University. It brings pride and excitement. If our administration would put more emphasis on upgrading not just facilities, but the conference and the competition, the enrollment would explode at UL. I'm glad to see the enrollment continue to make gains. 20,000 is attainable within the next few years.

[CajunDad2016]

This is directly related to the success of athletics.

These students were half way through their senior year when UL stumbled in football. It didn't hurt their overall exposure to the school.

This sustained boost is the benefit of 4-Straight bowls, National rankings in Baseball and softball and to a lesser degree, post season play in basketball.

It kept Louisiana in front of these students year round for almost their entire high school career.

I understand what you're saying and respect that sentiment but that is not why my daughter chose to go to school there. She had a few options with academics and all but decided to stay close to home. She's happy with her choice and so am I.

[Turbine]

I understand what you're saying and respect that sentiment but that is not why my daughter chose to go to school there. She had a few options with academics and all but decided to stay close to home. She's happy with her choice and so am I.

If I were to poll all local incoming students, I'm guessing 98% or higher would agree with you or at least state similar sentiments.

Athletics is advertising and advertising as a call to action is not what is happening here.

Athletics creates frontal lobe exposure over a prolonged period of time that influences comfort levels even in people with zero interest in sports.

[basinbear]

This is directly related to the success of athletics.

These students were half way through their senior year when UL stumbled in football. It didn't hurt their overall exposure to the school.

This sustained boost is the benefit of 4-Straight bowls, National rankings in Baseball and softball and to a lesser degree, post season play in basketball.

It kept Louisiana in front of these students year round for almost their entire high school career.

Your best post since I began coming here to RP in 2011and what the Administration does not understand is the higher we climb up the competition ladder in football and the more we continue to win the better it will be for the University in many ways.

[31Ragin97]

can we make game attendance mandatory for students? lol although it would guarantee 20K as some are involved in the game already, unless we can count players/trainers/ushers, etc as being there on a "student ticket"??

[cajun4life]

can we make game attendance mandatory for students? lol although it would guarantee 20K as some are involved in the game already, unless we can count players/trainers/ushers, etc as being there on a "student ticket"??

You want higher student participation, grow the Greek organizations and require 60% attendance for the big 4 sports.

[31Ragin97]

good idea! esp the 60% mark, fair and reasonable also if they go more they continue to go past the reqt
how do you recommend growing the greek orgs? do the students have "extra $" to pay for those dues?

[Turbine]

good idea! esp the 60% mark, fair and reasonable also if they go more they continue to go past the reqt
how do you recommend growing the greek orgs? do the students have "extra $" to pay for those dues?

For years I have recommended the Utah MUSS model.

They went from zero to 60 overnight.

http://ulink.utah.edu/s/1077/16/inte.gid=1&pgid=941

[cajun4life]

good idea! esp the 60% mark, fair and reasonable also if they go more they continue to go past the reqt
how do you recommend growing the greek orgs? do the students have "extra $" to pay for those dues?

The university needs to let the Greeks raise money for newer housing and completely renovate frat row. Then allow larger memberships.