UNL tracks steady enrollment with growth in key academic areas

For the second consecutive year, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln kicked off the fall semester with nearly 24,000 students enrolled — including a larger freshman class and more undergraduates pursuing careers in high-demand fields.

This steady success reflects the university’s continued commitment to its land-grant mission: providing accessible education, serving Nebraska’s workforce needs and preparing graduates who contribute to the state’s economy and make community impacts.

Total enrollment stands at 23,954 — a slight decline of 38 students, or 0.2%, compared to fall 2024. However, undergraduate enrollment grew by 73 students to 19,378. First-time freshmen increased by 84 students, or 1.8%, totaling 4,734.

The areas of study drawing the most Husker undergraduates are mechanical engineering (890), psychology (870), business administration (865), pre-health (863) and nutrition and health sciences (824).

“Enrollment is the lifeblood of the university, and I am very proud of the work we have done to increase new student enrollment, as well as to retain current students,” said Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett. “The growing number of Nebraskans and first-time freshmen who are choosing the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are indications that we are moving in the right direction in a challenging and competitive student recruitment environment.”

A university-wide focus on student success and retention continues to support overall enrollment, with programs designed to help students prepare for college and persist through graduation. Two key initiatives — the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy and the Trenchard Foundation Institute of Excellence — serve as pipelines for Nebraska high school students, providing academic assistance and resources that increase access to a four-year, Big Ten degree.

Among the new Trenchard scholars is Grand Island’s Amaya Favazza, a first-year nutrition and health sciences major pursuing a career in pediatrics. She moved to campus early to participate in the program’s summer institute, a weeklong opportunity focused on easing the transition to college through peer mentoring, academic preparation and community-building.

“Starting college feels both exciting and overwhelming,” Amaya said. “The summer institute helped me get comfortable with campus, meet other students, and learn about the resources available.”

Amayah also draws support from her sister, Ashlyn Favazza, a sophomore veterinary science major and peer leader in the Trenchard program.

“I’m proud to see my sister working toward her dream,” Ashlyn said. “Being here to support her, and other first-year students, shows how this program and university are committed to helping us succeed.” 

The Favazza sisters are part of a growing Nebraska College Preparatory Academy family rooted in Grand Island. Their younger siblings, Anton and Adleigh, are also academy scholars.

“When we invest in students early and support them throughout their college experience, we’re not just improving retention — we’re changing lives and building stronger communities,” said Monique Snowden, interim associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. “The Favazza family’s story shows how these programs can create a ripple effect that benefits families, schools and the entire state.”

The academy — which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026 — is on track to celebrate its 200th graduate this academic year. Since 2013, 192 academy scholars have earned degrees from UNL.

This fall, 44 new first-year scholars joined the Trenchard program, adding to 154 returning students for a total of 198.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s student census is taken annually on the sixth day of classes. Metrics of note from the 2025 student census include:

• Total enrollment is 23,954 students (down 0.2% from 2024). The total for undergraduate students is 19,378 (up 0.4%), with 4,734 first-time freshmen (up 1.8%). The entire student body includes 16,841 students from Nebraska (up 0.8%). The university saw declines in graduate students (3,959, down 2.6%), professional students (617, down 1%) and non-resident students (7,113, down 2.3%).
• Outside of Nebraska, the top five home states for undergraduates are Minnesota (580), Illinois (558), South Dakota (421), Kansas (405) and Colorado (351).
• The 14,750 undergraduates who come from Nebraska represent 91 of the Cornhusker State’s 93 counties. Lancaster County leads the state with 4,471 Huskers. Douglas County is second with 3,812, including a state-leading 1,002 first-time freshmen.
• Students are enrolled in 305,064 credit hours this fall, up from 304,786 a year ago.