Sul Ross State University’s Alpine campus is experiencing a significant enrollment surge this fall, driven primarily by an increase in dual credit and transfer students. Total enrollment at the Alpine campus has reached 1,934, compared to 1,481 in Fall 2023, marking an increase of over 30 percent, according to data set to be reported to legislators and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The number of dual credit students enrolled at the Alpine campus has risen dramatically, with 497 students this fall, up from 369 in the spring and just 58 in Fall 2023. This nearly 764 percent increase reflects the university’s successful strategy of engaging more public school districts.
“Dual credit students are included in our formula funding from the State of Texas,” said President Carlos Hernandez in a media release. “That means they impact the funding we get from the State in a positive way, increasing operating budgets so we can recruit and retain residential students.”
The campus has also seen growth in residential undergraduate student enrollment, which increased by 26 students (2.4%) across all levels, particularly among juniors and seniors. This suggests that deliberate retention efforts are making a positive impact. Additionally, the number of transfer students has increased to 146, up from 85 last fall.
Due to the enrollment growth, the university’s residence halls are filled to capacity. While several units are currently undergoing repairs and maintenance, some rooms have been temporarily tripled to accommodate students.
Sul Ross State University’s instructional sites in Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and Uvalde experienced a small decline in enrollment this fall, down by 19 students, or 3.5 percent.
Despite this, overall enrollment across all four campuses has climbed to 2,576, representing an increase of over 20 percent.
“While residential undergraduate enrollment growth isn’t as strong as we’d hoped, we will adjust our strategies and keep our foot on the gas. We are headed in the right direction and will continue to invest in market-driven degree programming and in retention activities to engage our students,” said President Hernandez in the media release.
For more information about SRSU, visit sulross.edu.
Image Credit: Sul Ross State University
