WSU marks three consecutive years of growth among incoming first‑year students

PULLMAN, Wash. - The number of new first-yearstudents across the Washington State University system grew for the third consecutive year, rising from 4,350 in the fall of 2024 to 4,420 in fall 2025, a 1.6% increase.

Several campuses experienced notable gains. WSU Tri-Citiesand Global Campus saw double-digit growth in this important student group, with increases of 11.1% and 14.7%, respectively. Tri-Citiesalso recorded an overall headcount increase of 8.1% compared to last year.

Total professional student enrollment across the WSU system also increased by 48 students, or 3.9%.

Overall enrollment across the system remained nearly flat year-over-year, declining less than a percentage point from 25,685 students in fall 2024 to 25,477 this fall.

WSU also continues to fulfill its historic land-grant mission of access and opportunity, with nearly 37% of undergraduates receiving federal funding via Pell grants. In addition, 51.9% of all undergraduates enrolled at WSU are either low income or first-generation college students. More than 80% of WSU's students across the system also come from the state of Washington.

We have gained momentum among our incoming classes, with growth three years in a row. This steady progress shows that we are firmly back on an upward trajectory.

"We have gained momentum among our incoming classes, with growth three years in a row," said Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman. "This steady progress shows that we are firmly back on an upward trajectory. While overall enrollment still reflects the impact of earlier declines, we expect this to be the final year of that trend."

Riley-Tillman continued, "Supporting student success continues to be our focus, through initiatives that connect students with financial resources and ensure they find a true sense of finding their place in our university community."

Recruitment and retention efforts continue to expand. WSU has strengthened outreach through initiatives such as Instant Decision Days and participation in the Common App, while also advancing financial aid strategies designed to maximize support for students. The system will further benefit from the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program, which is expected to enhance pathways for future students.

WSU is already seeing improvements to retention. Between the fall of 2024 and 2025, total new student retention increased from 78.8% to 80.5%, which includes first-yearand transfer students. Significant developments from each campus' fall 2025 census day report are available below:

Pullman

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program on the Pullman campus saw significant growth compared to last year, with its overall enrollment increasing from 472 to 527, or 11.7% and the number of new aspiring veterinarians also rising slightly.

The number of new first-yearstudents on the Pullman campus was similar to last fall's total, moving from 3,604 in fall 2024 to 3,599 in fall 2025. Overall enrollment on the Pullman campus was nearly flat compared to fall 2024, from 16,449 to 16,248.

Global Campus

WSU's Global Campus welcomed 125 new first-yearstudents this fall, a 14.7% increase compared to last year. The campus also enrolled more than a dozen students seeking graduate or professional-level certifications, one of two campuses to offer students these programs.

Total enrollment dipped modestly compared to last fall but remains the second largest in the WSU system.

Vancouver

WSU Vancouver saw growth across multiple student groups, with new first-yearenrollment up 5.6% compared to fall 2024. Transfer students also increased by 3.3%, while new graduate students rose by more than a quarter, from 48 to 61 new entering students. Overall undergraduate enrollment increased by 1%, continuing a positive trend on the campus.

Tri-Cities

WSU Tri-Citiesachieved an overall headcount increase of 8.1%, rising from 1,489-students last fall to 1,609 this year. New first-yearenrollment jumped 11.1%, while new masters and doctoral students more than doubled compared to 2024. The campus also reported a 15.5%-increase in overall graduate enrollment, underscoring its role as a growing hub for advanced study.

Spokane

The Spokane campus experienced a 17.5% increase in new professional students, driven by growth in new Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Pharmacy students. Total undergraduate enrollment also inched upward, from 410 to 412 students.

Everett

WSU Everett's enrollment rose 6.8% compared to last fall, climbing from 237 to 253 students, the highest total since fall 2020. Growth was driven by higher numbers of first-year, transfer, and graduate students, reflecting the campus' expanding impact in northwestern Washington.

Media Contacts

• David Wasson, WSU News director, 509-335-0033, [email protected]