Dayton Daily News: Wright State sees enrollment rise again this year

Wright State University again saw overall enrollment increase this fall, with 12,157 students enrolled in the university.

That’s a 2% increase from last fall and a 12% increase since 2022, the university said in a press release.

“Another year of enrollment growth reflects the commitment of our faculty and staff to provide students with an education that is accessible and focused on their success,” said Wright State University President Sue Edwards. “We’re encouraged that more students continue to choose Wright State. This trend reflects the value students see in a Wright State education and gives us confidence in our region’s future.”

Part of that increase came from first-time students, a key metric in college enrollment as it shows how many students enroll in a new degree intending to complete it.

First-time enrollment at the Dayton campus increased 1.6% to 1,736 students, according to the university. Wright State’s Lake Campus in Mercer County saw a 4.8% increase in first-time students.

The university has focused on recruiting students with Pell Grants and other first-generation, lower-income students. Almost half — 44.5% — of the first-time cohort at Wright State are Pell Grant recipients, the university said in a statement.

Susan Schaurer, vice president for enrollment management at WSU, said enrollment in Take Flight, the university’s tuition-free program for first-time, academically gifted students, has nearly doubled since 2022, the first year it was opened. Nearly 300 students were eligible this fall, she said.

University officials said about 72% of the fall 2025 entering cohort returned this year to complete their degrees.

“Maintaining retention at this level reflects significant, labor-intensive work across nearly every aspect of student life,” said Laura M. Luehrmann, vice provost at Wright State in Student Success Services.

Nursing remains the most popular choice among first-time students, followed by mechanical engineering, psychology, elementary education and biological sciences, WSU said.

“Wright State is committed to ensuring a high-quality education is within reach for more students and families,” Edwards said. “Our affordability, strong academic programs and regional connections give students a clear path from college to their chosen career, without taking on unnecessary financial barriers.”

Read the full article at daytondailynews.com.