Alexandria, LA (2/9/2024) – Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) continues its rise as the fastest-growing public university in Louisiana, with Spring 2024 enrollment reaching an all-time high of 5,405 students. This momentous achievement represents a 35.5% increase over the last year, solidifying LSUA’s position as a university of choice.
LSUA surpassed its goal of 5,000 students in the fall of 2023, two years ahead of schedule, with a staggering 24% enrollment increase over the previous year. Spring 2024’s enrollment growth of an additional 5.9% since this fall semester marks a significant milestone for LSUA, as it is the first time spring enrollment has exceeded fall figures since the university became a 4-year institution two decades ago. LSUA’s ability to buck the national trend of declining enrollment demonstrates its resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to student success and excellence.
Deron Thaxton, LSUA’s Executive Vice Chancellor, said: “With our latest enrollment figures showing an unprecedented increase from last spring, it’s clear that LSUA is not just expanding, we’re evolving. We are not the LSUA from 20 years ago or even five! We are no longer just a regional campus; LSUA is the university of choice in Louisiana and beyond. Our growth is a robust affirmation of our commitment to accessible, top-tier education.”
LSUA’s online programs witnessed an extraordinary 58.7% rise in enrollment compared to the previous spring, with 2,727 students. Meanwhile, on-campus enrollment soared by 17.6% since Spring 2023, totaling 2,677 students. The university’s diverse student body now represents all 50 states and 24 countries, reflecting LSUA’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative educational experience.
Notably, LSUA boasts a remarkable 90% retention rate, with 9 out of 10 first-time freshmen returning this spring. This exceptional retention rate is a nod to the Division of Student Engagement’s robust offerings of on-campus activities, the vibrant atmosphere, and the unwavering personal support provided by faculty and staff. LSUA’s commitment to nurturing student success and fostering a sense of belonging has resulted in a thriving community where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement Abbey Bain, Ph.D., noted: “LSUA continues to experience unprecedented growth. We are seeing more students interested in attending LSUA, and with a 90% fall-to-spring retention rate, more students are staying at LSUA, too. With innovative degree programs and exciting events on campus, it is the best time to be a General! Students see the benefit of learning in a close-knit family environment, a feeling that truly sets LSUA apart from any other university in the state or region. Now is the right time to enroll at LSUA because we are just getting started!”
Shelly Gill, LSUA’s Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, added: “LSUA has many innovative degree programs that attract students from all over the nation. Whether on-campus or online, the assistance applicants receive through the entire enrollment process is individualized and tailored to each student’s unique experience. We invite anyone looking to further their education to contact us for an appointment to learn how to become a General!”
As LSUA continues its trajectory of growth and excellence, the university remains steadfast in its mission to provide affordable, accessible, innovative, and high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
For more information about LSUA and its academic programs, visit explore.lsua.edu.
Written by Adam Lord
Image credit – Chase Dyess | LSUA Division of Strategic Communications
