Fall 2024 enrollment increases reflect K-State's commitment to increasing access to higher education
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
The growth shown in K-State's fall 2024 enrollment report reflects the university's commitment to increasing access to educational opportunities that transform lives. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN, OLATHE and SALINA — Kansas State University is growing the talent pool of agriculturists, engineers, business leaders and changemakers for Kansas and beyond, fulfilling its promise as a next-generation land-grant university. This fall, university enrollment grew by 2.8% for 2024.
Continuing an upward trajectory, this is the second year of enrollment increases, as K-State's overall headcount this semester grew to 20,295 students across all campuses.
"Our plan to broaden the university's reach in a strategic and measured manner is a responsibility we take seriously every day," said Provost and Executive Vice President Jesse Perez Mendez. "But it is also one we celebrate, especially when we see such positive results. These numbers aren't just 20,000-plus students — they're 20,000-plus stories and opportunities to change lives."
Total undergraduate enrollment grew by 3.6%, while graduate enrollment slightly declined 1%. The College of Veterinary Medicine increased by 3.6%.
K-State's efforts over the past several years to significantly expand access to its quality educational offerings have established a strong sense of momentum as key elements of the university's Next-Gen K-State strategic plan, Mendez said.
A standout first-year class highlights K-State's fall 2024 enrollment
This semester's increase is driven by a 9.4% increase in first-time freshmen, with this year's first-year class of 3,493 being the largest since 2018. This growth did not sacrifice quality: incoming first-time freshmen averaged a high school grade point average of 3.78 — one of the highest for K-State in recent years.
Focusing on its land-grant mission of access, K-State is making significant strides in enrolling low-income, first-generation and underrepresented minority students, especially among its first-year class, said Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management.
Pell-eligible first-year students, as a group, grew by 27.8%, while first-generation enrollment increased 13%. Enrollment from traditionally underrepresented minority groups also grew, up 16% from the previous year. In-state enrollment among those freshmen is up 7.7%, with students coming from 95 of Kansas' 105 counties.
Out-of-state enrollment in this year's first-year class increased 14%, with K-State attracting students from 43 states and U.S. territories.
K-State also drew students from nearly 400 different institutions, as out-of-state transfer student enrollment increased by 7.5%.
"K-State continues to build on its national profile, with this being the largest out-of-state freshman class in recent university history," Goos said. "More students are discovering and recognizing the world-class education and university experience they can expect when they come to K-State."
Student support, access and success core to K-State's mission
As a land-grant institution, K-State strives to provide a high-quality, accessible public research university education. The university offers more than $92 million in scholarships and awards, bolstering affordability and access. More than 79% of students earn some form of aid while earning a degree at the university.
In recent years, K-State has pledged its commitment to access by expanding its Land Grant Promise grant, which assures that full-time, Pell-eligible undergraduates with total household incomes of $70,000 or less receive a total grant and scholarship aid package — up to the equivalent cost of 15 credit hours of in-state tuition.
That commitment is a promise that continues beyond financial aid, with the university providing academic experiences and support programs that help students find success throughout their entire careers at K-State.
The university retains 85.5% of its first-time freshmen and graduates 53.9% of students within four years — and 71.8% within six years — significantly higher than national averages for public, four-year universities. It's success that continues after graduation, with 96% of undergraduate students reporting being employed or continuing their studies in graduate or professional school six months after graduation.
"Student success is not just measured by graduation rates, but by our ability to create an environment that supports every student's personal, academic and professional growth," Goos said. "This year's enrollment and retention numbers reflect the strength of this commitment, showing that when students feel connected, valued and empowered, they stay and thrive."
