The University of Akron achieves consecutive enrollment growth for first time since fall 2011

The University of Akron (UA) has recorded its second consecutive year of total enrollment growth for fall 2026, reaching 15,324 students. This milestone marks the university's first back-to-back annual enrollment increase since fall 2011.

The sustained growth comes at a time when institutions across the Midwest face shrinking high school senior populations and broader regional demographic contractions. UA's multi-year momentum underscores expanding market share and strong student retention across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

"This week, we're celebrating. Our enrollment, admissions, student pathways and other teams across campus helped put this W on the board," said President R.J. Nemer '90 '95. "The new census data is exciting, but it is also a reminder that we have more work to do, as well as a positive message and value proposition to share widely."

"I'm thrilled we're recruiting more students in high-demand areas and retaining students at the sophomore, junior and senior levels. Expanding our student populations at all stages and in all demographics is a worthwhile aspiration and a community-wide win. During this next recruitment cycle, we're going after the three-peat."

Key factors driving growth

• Increased retention and continuing students: Overall continuing student enrollment expanded by 1.9% to 9,949 students. Continuing graduate enrollment jumped 9.8% to 1,423 students, while continuing law school enrollment rose 18.8% to 354 students.
• Expanded credit hour volume: Total Student Credit Hours (SCH) increased to 174,337, up 0.9% year-over-year, showing that the student population is taking more credits overall compared to last year.
• High-demand academic momentum: Course credit hours surged in key fields, led by Health and Human Sciences (up 13.8% to 27,282 SCH), the School of Law (up 11.5% to 7,061 SCH) and the Williams Honors College (up 4.9% to 1,704 SCH).
• Non-traditional student expansion: New adult non-traditional student enrollment expanded 17.3% to 95 students, while new postbaccalaureate enrollment grew 38.3% to 65 students.

Media contact: [email protected]