Enrollment across University of Nebraska falls, but some departments grow

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The University of Nebraska reported Wednesday that enrollment numbers for fall 2022 have declined since last year.

The decline matches projections made by the university when it approved its 2022-23 operating budget. The current enrollment number stands at 49,560, dropping 2.2% from 2021.

“These numbers aren’t shocking to us, but they are disappointing,” NU President Ted Carter said. “I’ve told the chancellors that I expect an all-hands-on-deck effort to get us where I know we can be. This is the time to be bold and creative in our thinking. Enrollment is our top priority.”

Despite the overall loss in enrollment, there were bright spots in the numbers. Twenty-two percent of the student body identifies as a minority, making the current class the most diverse in the university’s history.

Out-of-state enrollment also grew 3.6%, with the engineering and fine and performing arts departments at UNL growing up to 7%. First-time enrollment among UNL’s journalism, business, engineering, and agriculture departments grew to its second largest enrollment of new students.

Health science programs at UNK, a program the university has heavily invested in to attract Nebraska’s next generation of health care workers, saw a 14% increase in freshmen.

Statistics for each university and the university at large are as follows:

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: 23,805 (2.6% decrease)
University of Nebraska at Omaha: 15,058 (1.7% decrease)
University of Nebraska at Kearney: 6,041 (3.7% decrease)
University of Nebraska Medical Center: 4,406 (0.4% increase)
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture: 250 (2.3% decrease)
University of Nebraska System total headcount: 49,560 (2.2% decrease)

Freshmen: 7,847 (0.2% decrease)
Undergraduate students: 36,370 (2% decrease)
Graduate students: 9,498 (3.6% decrease)
Professional students: 3,442 (0.2% decrease)