East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is celebrating a significant rebound in student enrollment, marking a 1% increase from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, with 136 additional students on the main campus. This growth comes after a challenging period during the pandemic, where undergraduate enrollment saw a notable decline.
The university has strategically focused on rebuilding its undergraduate base, achieving a steady recovery through targeted initiatives. Notably, ETSU has successfully increased its out-of-state enrollment by 25% over the past four years, thanks in part to a tuition reset in 2020 that allowed the institution to compete more effectively in neighboring states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
International enrollment has also surged, with a remarkable 70% increase as the university has streamlined its recruiting and support efforts. This growth reflects ETSU's commitment to enhancing its global presence and fostering diversity within its student body. The Latinx population has grown by 17%, while the Asian student demographic has seen a 30% increase.
The university's first-year class has outpaced growth compared to public state peers, with a 30% increase over the past four cycles. This achievement is coupled with an improvement in academic quality, defying projections and expectations. ETSU's efforts to enhance its visibility in metropolitan areas across the state have played a crucial role in these impressive enrollment figures.
As ETSU continues to build on this momentum, the focus remains on not just numbers, but the individuals behind them, emphasizing the importance of community and support in the university's ongoing success.