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CSCU reports systemwide spring enrollment gains, driven by FTE and online growth
Summary
CSCU reported a 3.3% systemwide enrollment increase for spring 2026, led by a 4.1% full-time-equivalent enrollment gain (~1,132 students), strong certificate and Pell-recipient growth, and an 18.3% jump at Charter Oak State College.
Dr. Jeremy Stevens, CSCU senior leader for enrollment, told the Board of Regents Committee on Academic and Student Affairs on May 1 that the system’s spring 2026 census shows a 3.3% increase in total enrollment across Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU).
“The spring 2026 census data reflects continued systemwide progress and enrollment growth,” Stevens said, noting a 4.1% increase in full-time-equivalent (FTE) enrollment — roughly 1,132 additional full‑time-equivalent students — and a modest 0.3% increase in graduate enrollment.
The report breaks the gains down by sector: CT State rose 1.8%, the state universities rose 4.1%, and Charter Oak State College saw an 18.3% increase. Credit-bearing certificate enrollment increased 6.5% year to year, and the number of Pell recipients rose 6.3%.
Stevens said the FTE gain signals that “more students are enrolling at a full-time pace,” which typically corresponds with higher persistence and retention. He added that the system will continue monitoring graduate affordability and related loan issues through its HR/finance committee.
Several regents called the numbers encouraging. Regent Porth said the data are “terrific news” given national enrollment headwinds and urged that the system publicize these successes. Dr. Stevens noted that the system is awaiting additional guidance from state legislators on Finish Line scholarship funds that could affect summer and fall enrollment planning.
The meeting also included an exchange about cross‑campus registration at CT State: CT State reported that cross‑campus enrollment has risen to 45% since the merger in 2023, driven primarily by online offerings. Regent Cummings raised concerns about possible “grade‑shopping” as cross‑campus registration increases; CT State said it is addressing academic integrity and program review as part of its post‑merger oversight.
Next steps: the system will continue to track persistence and retention metrics, review summer-enrollment momentum, and provide further updates to regents and the HR/finance committees as legislative guidance and financial-aid decisions arrive.
