Engineering, health professions thrive as Weber State sets multiple enrollment records and tops 32,400 students
OGDEN, Utah — As Weber State University tracks enrollment data for the new school year, the phrase “all-time high” fits multiple categories. Measured during the third week of fall semester, enrollment data continues to trend upward, signaling a growing interest in Weber State as one of Utah’s top institutions.
Student body soars past 32,400
For the fourth year running, Weber State boasted its largest-ever student body, this time with a headcount of more than 32,400 as of Sept. 13. That puts WSU one year ahead of schedule in reaching its goal of serving 32,000 students — a number put forth in 2021 as part of the university’s five-year strategic plan.
“We knew 32,000 was an ambitious number, but we were confident Weber State could achieve it because of who we are and what we offer,” said WSU President Brad Mortensen. “In a year with many potential headwinds for enrollment, including federal FAFSA delays and the implementation of mandatory advising for new students, serving the largest number of students in university history is a tremendous testament to the dedication and commitment of the student-focused staff and faculty at Weber State.”
True to the university’s open-enrollment mission and the regional demand for a well-educated workforce, Mortensen said he wants to offer opportunities to as many prospective students as possible, from all backgrounds.
“We’re thrilled to have reached our enrollment goal, and there’s room for more students,” Mortensen said. “Ultimately, our aim is not just to enroll students but to keep them on track to complete credentials and degrees that will kick-start or retool their careers and help meet regional workforce needs.”
Weber State also saw a 5% increase in matriculated degree-seeking students — a term used in higher education to differentiate college students who are seeking a degree from those who are taking only a few classes — the biggest jump in the last 14 years.
Big demand for engineering and healthcare
Weber State saw additional all-time highs in engineering and health professions enrollment, two among WSU’s seven academic colleges that have proven crucial to getting career-ready graduates plugged into Utah’s most in-demand jobs.
Numbers for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology, which includes the School of Computing, show an expected enrollment of over 3,300 students. From associate to master’s degrees, more students than ever are choosing to study computer, electrical, energy, manufacturing, mechanical and systems engineering.
The Dumke College of Health Professions anticipates a final tally of over 4,800 students this fall. While the most popular program is nursing, which offers degrees from associate to doctorate, the college also offers credentials in emergency healthcare, medical laboratory sciences, radiologic sciences, respiratory therapy and more.
Weber State’s proximity to and collaborations with Hill Air Force Base and leading healthcare companies is helping graduates secure jobs in the aerospace and healthcare industries.
“The sheer number of students enrolled in these programs shows how eager people are to get into the jobs that Utah needs most,” said WSU Provost Ravi Krovi. “An important priority at our university is aligning quality academic programs to workforce needs and ensuring students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers.”
Aside from engineering and healthcare, Weber State saw a 7% increase in the Goddard School of Business & Economics.
Spike in first-time enrollment
As of Sept. 13, Weber State is tracking an additional all-time high of nearly 3,700 first-time students — a population targeted in WSU’s strategic plan. That’s up 15% from last year, driven partly by increases in low-income students and international students.
“Weber State is committed to expanding access to higher education by meeting students where they are,” said Jessica Oyler, vice president for Student Access & Success. “Our growth in first-time student enrollment is a promising sign that our efforts are working, and I’m excited to explore even more ways we can support students.”
Action by the Utah Board of Higher Education in December 2023 to remove in-state application fees contributed to the record number of first-time students, particularly those with limited financial resources.
Mirroring Utah’s demographics
Weber State is now home to over 4,000 Hispanic and Latino students. That’s an all-time high for the fourth year in a row and helps WSU more closely match Utah’s fast-growing Hispanic and Latino population.
The new record moves WSU closer to its goal of becoming an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution, which it will achieve when Hispanics and Latinos make up 15% of the university’s full-time equivalent students, as calculated by the Department of Education. This fall, WSU is projected to hit 13.2%.
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu