University Of Alabama Announces Record Enrollment For Fall Semester

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama on Monday announced record-breaking enrollment numbers for the fall semester, which also includes a record number of National Merit Scholars.

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UA says 38,645 students enrolled for the fall, topping the previous record of 38,563 set in 2017.

What's more, the university said 1,088 students were recognized as National Merit Scholars — the most ever to attend the Capstone and 16% more than last year.

The university explained that the record enrollment was also boosted by the largest freshman class in UA history, with 8,037 students. This freshman class also includes 322 National Merit Scholars, which is a 15% increase from last year’s record.

“The University of Alabama experience is continuing to draw diverse, talented students from all over the state, nation and world,” UA President Stuart R. Bell said in a statement on Monday. “As high achieving students graduate and begin their careers or further their education, they demonstrate the incredible value of a UA degree. The many who do so by remaining in Alabama are critical to growing and strengthening our local and state economies.”

Other quick facts:

• Freshmen enrollment rose to 2,987 students, marking UA’s fourth consecutive year with an increase of freshmen from the state.
• Record enrollment of students of ethnic and racial minorities with 8,542 students — a more than 2% increase from last year.
• UA reports a total of 4,344 Black students and 2,138 Hispanic students.

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