UA Sets Record Enrollment With Growth in In-State Students, Merit Scholars

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama on Monday announced it has set a new enrollment record this fall with 42,360 students, a 3.7% increase from last year.

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UA says the freshman class includes a record 362 National Merit Scholars, up 37.1% from 2024, underscoring UA’s draw for high-achieving students nationwide.

The university also reported a more than 4% increase in in-state enrollment, with UA leadership saying this reinforces its role as Alabama’s flagship institution and a pipeline for the state’s workforce.

“The University of Alabama is defining the future of higher education — a student-centered university focused on creating leaders to serve current and future workforce needs of the state and the nation,” UA President Peter J. Mohler. “Our momentum is powered by students representing all 67 Alabama counties, with an impact that will continue to transform lives in Alabama and beyond.”

UA now enrolls students from every Alabama county, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 99 countries.

The university awarded more than 9,500 degrees in the past year, more than any other institution in the state.

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