Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arkansas State University continues its strong upward momentum with a record spring 2026 enrollment of 16,145 students, which is a 6.4% increase over last spring and the fifth consecutive record-breaking fall or spring semester for the university.
Traditional, on-campus enrollment climbed to 8,141, an 8.4% increase from last year. Online enrollment reached a record 8,004 students, a 4.5% increase and the highest total for any semester at A-State.
The university also welcomed 521 transfer students, an increase of 199 over spring 2025. Many of these students are choosing A-State to continue their education, pursue unique academic opportunities, or find a better overall fit for their educational goals.
Students are enrolling in more coursework as well, with 133,875 credit hours attempted — a 6.1% increase over last spring.
“Five consecutive record-breaking semesters don’t happen by chance,” said Chancellor Todd Shields. “They reflect intentional investments by dedicated faculty and staff in academics, affordability, and student success, and the trust Arkansas and Mid-South families place in what we are building at A-State.”
The growth reflects continued demand for academic programs aligned with workforce needs and student interests. Several programs posted notable increases this spring, including the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and certificate programs in software development and Swift coding.
The Swift coding certificate, launched in 2018, has gained significant traction among concurrently enrolled high school students and highlights A-State’s expanding early college pathways while equipping students with in-demand technical skills that carry forward into college and careers.
A-State’s nursing programs continue to show strong growth, alongside increasing enrollment in animal science. The university expects that trend to accelerate as it prepares to open Arkansas’s first College of Veterinary Medicine this fall, pending successful accreditation.
“We are seeing the impact of a campus-wide commitment to student success while maintaining academic rigor,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin White Jr. “Strong advising, engaged faculty, and the intentional design and support of academic pathways all contribute to timely and successful matriculation.”
Interest in Arkansas State continues to rise, with applications for fall 2026 up 14.7% compared with last year. The university’s combination of generous scholarships, one of the lowest total costs of attendance in the region, and a student experience that pairs the opportunities of a major university with the personalized support of a close-knit campus continues to resonate with students and families.
“Students today are making thoughtful choices about where they enroll,” said Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Amanda Nickerson. “They want a meaningful college experience, support, and a strong return on investment, and A-State is positioned to deliver on all three.”