Indiana’s full-time college enrollment increased this fall, marking the highest one-year increase since fall 2010.
According to a report from the state Commission for Higher Education, Indiana public college enrollment increased by 2 percent over fall 2023. It’s the second straight year with an increase after 12 years of decline.
More than 206,000 students enrolled full-time in Indiana public colleges.
Read more: IU Bloomington campus sets enrollment record
“We are hopeful this is an indication that the declining trends will continue to reverse,” said Chris Lowery, Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education. “As much work remains, I remain pleased but not satisfied on this update.”
Lowry credits the commission’s initiatives for the increase. Those include a pre-admissions program and expanded financial aid.
Indiana State University has the largest drop in enrollment, decreasing about 32 percent in the past five years. Purdue University’s flagship campus in West Lafayette had the most growth during that time with a 26.5 percent increase. Enrollment at IU Bloomington has grown about 15 percent over the last five years.
Enrollment at two-year colleges — Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University — has decreased over the last five years. Rates for Ivy Tech show a 9 percent decrease, and Vincennes saw about a 29 percent decrease.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright .
