U of I System sets another record in fall semester student enrollment

URBANA, Ill. (WAND)-Enrollment numbers across all three system universities are at a record high, according to the University of Illinois System.

97,772 students have enrolled across the University of Illinois System for the fall semester.

The U of I System reports the total enrollment for the universities located in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield topped the previous record of 94,861 established in 2022 and increased last year’s enrollment by 3.2%.

First-year freshmen enrollment of 13,689 represented a 3.5% increase over the 2023 record of 13,231, and the total undergraduate enrollment of 61,944 surpassed the 2023 high mark of 60,013 by 3.2%.

“In a rapidly changing world, higher education is more important than ever – both for the future prospects of individual students and for an economy that demands an increasingly well-educated workforce,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “We are providing an outstanding education at scale, and our enrollment is evidence of the value the University of Illinois System provides to the state and its citizens.”

Illinois residents represent about 79% of system undergraduates.

The U of I System says its enrollment of Hispanic and Black undergraduate students increased by 2.5% and 3.6%, respectively, and that it will continue to work with community colleges to support students who wish to transfer to the system universities.

“The University of Illinois System is committed to access and affordability, illuminating a pathway for talented, inquisitive students from all walks of life,” Killeen said. “It is heartening to see the progress we have made, and we are redoubling our efforts to ensure there is even broader awareness in communities throughout our state of the opportunity that awaits them.”

Enrollment numbers are based on the 10th day of classes at the three universities. Ten-day figures are the traditional benchmark for reporting enrollment among U.S. colleges and universities.

Check out more highlights from each university at the links below:

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Springfield