University System of Georgia enrollment increases to record high

University System of Georgia (USG) enrollment has reached an all-time high of 341,485 students, according to USG’s Fall 2020 Semester Enrollment Report. The record enrollment represents a 2.4% (7,978 students) increase over Fall 2019, extending USG’s growth trend to seven consecutive years.

“USG institutions have pursued a mission of teaching, research and service while prioritizing health and safety and providing a safe on-campus learning experience for students,” USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “The result is record enrollment and more students earning degrees than ever before. As we rise above the pandemic’s challenges, USG remains committed to helping Georgia succeed by being more affordable, more efficient and most of all, preparing more students for life and work with a college degree.”

Enrollment increased at 16 of USG’s 26 institutions. Growth in headcount varied across the four categories of institutions within the system: 2.8% in research universities, 6.2% in comprehensive universities, and 2.3% in state universities. State college enrollment declined by 7%, consistent with a national trend.

Dual enrollment increased by 1,151 students (9.1%) from 12,597 in Fall 2019 to 13,748 in Fall 2020. Most of this growth occurred at research universities and comprehensive universities.

Among the demographic categories, the largest systemwide enrollment growth occurred among Hispanic and Asian students, both at 7.2%, while African American enrollment increased by 3.9%.

The enrollment numbers were released in the USG’s “Fall 2020 Semester Enrollment Report,” which breaks down enrollment by institution, class, race and ethnicity, in-state, out-of-state and international students, as well as gender and age. The full enrollment report is available here.