The University System of Georgia (USG) has announced a record-high enrollment this fall, marking its third consecutive year of growth and reaching an unprecedented 382,142 students across its 26 public colleges and universities. This represents a significant 4.8% increase from last fall, with 23 institutions reporting growth.

The surge in student numbers was predominantly driven by a rise in in-state undergraduate students, underscoring the system’s vital role in educating Georgia’s future workforce.

“Across the state, we’re not just enrolling students but we’re preparing them for the real-world demands of a fast-changing workforce,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said in a statement. “Thanks to the hard work of our presidents, faculty and staff, we’re helping more students enter college, stay on track and get to graduation. Coupled with a record number of degrees awarded this past year, we’re contributing to the virtuous cycle of a more educated workforce and more prosperous Georgia.”

Individual institutions saw notable gains. Kennesaw State University recorded the largest headcount growth, adding 3,530 new students to its campus. The University of West Georgia experienced the highest percentage increase, growing by 11.7% from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Georgia Institute of Technology remains the largest institution within the USG, enrolling 56,715 students.

While in-state students fueled much of the expansion, systemwide out-of-state enrollment also increased by 6.5%. However, the data indicated a decrease of more than 6% in the number of out-of-state students receiving tuition waivers. International student enrollment showed the smallest growth, increasing by 295 students, which is the smallest percentage increase in this category since the 2020 semester.

The USG’s student body also grew more diverse. The number of students identifying as Latino saw the most significant rise at 8.9%, followed by an 8.1% increase in Black students, and a 5.2% increase in Asian students. White student enrollment grew by 1.7%.

Further details on the fall enrollment can be found in the USG’s annual report, providing a comprehensive look at the system’s growth and demographic shifts.