LINCOLN— Enrollment across the University of Nebraska system declined 1.4% from the same point last year, a decrease of about 700 students, with total enrollment at 48,948. The largest declines came among international students, down 11%, and graduate students, down 5.6%. NU attributed the changes partly to declining birthrates and reduced federal research funding affecting graduate enrollment. UNL enrollment fell 1.6%, UNO declined 1%, and UNK dropped 3.9%, while enrollment increased at UNMC and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Despite the overall decline, NU reported a 2% increase in first-time freshmen, reaching 7,987 students, while total credit hours remained relatively stable. NU President Jeffrey Gold said students are taking more courses and moving through college faster, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner. The enrollment figures come as NU seeks a $166 million increase in state funding for the 2027-29 budget cycle while Gov. Jim Pillen has asked state agencies, including the university system, to reduce spending by 5% through the end of the current fiscal year.

Click HERE for the full article