University of Alabama sets record enrollment of 39,623 students

Jasmine Hollie, Tuscaloosa News
·2 min read

The University of Alabama enrolled a record number of students this fall, including the largest number of in-state freshmen since 2010.

UA on Monday announced that the school had reached its largest-ever enrollment with 39,623 students enrolled for fall 2023. This exceeds UA's previous enrollment record of 38,645 students set in 2022.

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The record enrollment was enhanced by an increase of in-state students, which according to a UA news release includes 3,184 freshmen from Alabama, representing every county in the state. This marks UA’s fifth consecutive year with an in-state increase and the largest number of in-state freshmen since 2010, the release states.

The incoming freshman class builds the traditional Script A, Aug. 22, 2023, in Bryant-Denny Stadium as part of UA’s Weeks of Welcome event for the incoming freshman class.
The incoming freshman class builds the traditional Script A, Aug. 22, 2023, in Bryant-Denny Stadium as part of UA’s Weeks of Welcome event for the incoming freshman class.

UA says it now enrolls a record number of 1,142 National Merit Scholars, making UA one of the nation’s largest enrolling institutions of National Merit Scholars.

This year’s incoming class includes 300 National Merit Scholars.

"Students — and their parents — are not only drawn to UA's academic excellence but to what we refer to as the ‘Alabama Experience,’ said UA President Stuart R. Bell in the news release.

That experience includes a holistic commitment to excellence, support and hands-on learning opportunities that result in a preeminent student experience, the release states.

Incoming freshman women move into Tutwiler Hall on early move in day at the University of Alabama Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. University President Stuart Bell talks to incoming freshman Juliette Sandefur from Fairhope as she begins to unload her vehicle.
Incoming freshman women move into Tutwiler Hall on early move in day at the University of Alabama Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. University President Stuart Bell talks to incoming freshman Juliette Sandefur from Fairhope as she begins to unload her vehicle.

"With over 600 student organizations, experiential learning opportunities like our remarkable entrepreneurship program, and boundless undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, students choose the University of Alabama to become well-rounded global citizens, ready to make a difference," Bell said.

According to UA, the university's consistent enrollment growth and success in recruiting is an intentional and strategic approach. About 20 years ago, UA had an enrollment of around 19,000 students or less than half of its current enrollment.

UA also reached a record enrollment this fall for students who identify as ethnic or racial minorities, with  9,342 students, a 9.4% increase from last year. This total includes 4,579 Black students and 2,610 Hispanic students.

UA's student body includes students from all 67 of Alabama’s counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 92 countries.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Another record: University of Alabama enrollment nears 40,000 students