UND sets new all-time enrollment record in Fall 2025

The University of North Dakota is celebrating a historic milestone this fall with 15,844 students enrolled, the largest student body in UND’s history.
Now made official by Census Day, the official enrollment-tallying period for all North Dakota University System institutions, the 15,844 figure surpasses by nearly 600 students the previous record of 15,250 set in 2012. It also reflects an increase of 825 students or 5.49% over last year’s enrollment.

“Enrollment at our university has reached new heights, a clear sign that students are choosing our community for its academic excellence, welcoming environment and exceptional opportunities for growth,” said Janelle Kilgore, vice provost for Strategic Enrollment Management at UND. “I am extremely proud of our campus!”

The University saw especially strong growth in the number of students who hail from North Dakota and Minnesota, its traditional recruiting areas. In fact, according to North Dakota University System enrollment dashboards, UND is the #1 destination of choice for North Dakota residents – boasting the most of any other institution in the state.

“I attribute our record enrollment to our exceptional academic experience, our hard-working and dedicated enrollment management team, strong collaboration between faculty and staff, outstanding facilities, a wide range of opportunities for meaningful student engagement, and the strength of our leadership,” said Art Malloy, vice president for Student Affairs.

“It’s a great time to be a Fighting Hawk.”

Much of the growth came from undergraduate enrollment, which rose by 804 students — a 7.3% increase from Fall 2024.

The retention rate for first-year, full-time students from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 stands at 83.34%. Although this is a slight drop from the previous year, university leaders note that the decrease was expected given the size of last year’s record-setting freshman class.

“Advisors and student-support staff are proud that students continue to put their trust in UND for their educational journey,” said Karyn Plumm, vice provost for Undergraduate Studies & Student Success. “We work hard to ensure that we are meeting students where they are and helping them take their next steps toward success.”

While total graduate enrollment dipped slightly (- 5 students), the university saw an increase in new graduate students, up by 23 compared to last year.

And UND also welcomed 2,508 new freshmen, the largest incoming class on record, topping the previous high of 2,360 from 2012.

That’s 148 more first-year students than the historic 2012 benchmark, and an increase of 303 students over last year’s figure.

“It is an honor to welcome record-setting enrollment to the University of North Dakota this fall,” said Eric Link, UND provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

“The 5.49% growth over last year reflects the quality of the academic programming available to both undergraduate and graduate students. It also serves as a testament to the outstanding support services, student life and engagement opportunities, and the commitment UND has to the success of its students.

“The University of North Dakota continues to be a place where faculty care about their students, staff work to support students, and students can grow, thrive – and change the world.”

For the last word on UND’s record enrollment, we turn to Andy Armacost, president of the University:

“I am so grateful to our faculty, staff, students and everyone else who has contributed to our incredible success, and for the amazing support of our community and alumni,” Armacost said.