Fall term admission numbers suggest the continuation of a strong rebound in enrollment at Southern Oregon University, led by the institution's largest freshman class since 2018.
The number of new freshmen at SOU increased this fall by 15.1% compared to a year ago, while the number of incoming transfer students is up by 10.6%.
According to SOU, the overall student headcount halfway through fall term is 162 higher than that of last fall -- a 3.4% gain to a total of 4,889. The increases among freshmen and transfers account for 84 and 30 students, respectively.
SOU experienced a double-digit percentage decline in enrollment during the years following the COVID-19 pandemic and regional wildfires of September 2020. The university's turnaround began with small enrollment increases for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years, and has picked up momentum with encouraging overall numbers this fall.
SOU officials said student retention plays a significant role in this fall's positive enrollment picture. Last year's freshman cohort returned this year at a rate of 66.3%, while total undergraduate retention is at 78% this fall.
Another positive note comes from SOU's "Advanced Southern Credit," a dual-enrollment programs with local high schools, which is showing an increase of about 7% this fall.
