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CSU's Enrollment Growth Nears 4% Compared to 2023

Columbus State University’s official fall enrollment increased 3.9% compared to last year, according to final figures reported to the University System of Georgia. Buoyed by the university’s largest-ever graduate student class, 2024 is the second consecutive year the university has seen growth in overall student headcount. Official Fall 2024 enrollment stands at 7,937. This includes a 4.9% growth in new undergraduate students and a 1.9% increase in total undergraduate students compared to Fall 2023. This fall also marks the university’s largest-ever graduate student enrollment of 1,790—shattering its previous high of 1,654 in Fall 2017. This fall’s headcount represents an 11.6% increase in graduate students compared to last fall. President Stuart Rayfield pointed to several factors supporting these gains. “We offer students an affordable college experience—and a flexible one. We cater to students interested in an immersive experience marked by a vibrant social environment, but we also appeal to students who must maintain a work-life balance. What is constant for all our students are our career-focused academic programs, mentoring faculty and community partnerships that enhance their college experience,” she said. The university benefited from other significant single-year increases in several demographic areas, including:

A 9.0% increase in new dual-enrolled high school students and a 29.4% increase in total dual-enrolled students.

A 5.0% increase in new traditional-aged freshmen students.

A 4.9% increase in new undergraduate students.

Rayfield said recruiting more students to Columbus State isn’t an end, but part of a strategy that includes increasing the university’s retention and graduation rates. “We began an intensive focus on student success last spring, which continues into this academic year,” she said. “Our newly introduced strategic plan has as its initial priority specific activities to advance students—particularly undergraduate students—toward graduation, careers and meaningful lives.” Those efforts include redesigning the core curriculum, student advising and career services so they align students’ professional goals with their academic journey. All university areas have unified to enhance social activities and traditions to make the college experience more memorable. Columbus State offers 90-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs spanning the fine and performing arts, business, education, health professions, humanities, social sciences and STEM fields.

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