(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — October 12, 2023) As higher education institutions across the state and nation grapple with declining enrollments, Empire State University is seeing increases in its Fall 2023 undergraduate and graduate student enrollment. The university reports a 3% increase in undergraduate enrollment and 16% increase in graduate enrollment.

Undergraduate enrollments at public and private nonprofit four-year institutions across the country continue their decline from 2018. According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse, nationwide college enrollment remains well below pre-pandemic levels, down approximately 1.09 million students overall and approximately 1.16 million undergraduates, compared to spring 2020.

Demographic shifts, economic uncertainty, rising tuition, and the COVID-19 pandemic have played significant roles in the nationwide decline. SUNY Empire’s multi-layered approach to meeting the needs of a changing college demographic has served it well. The institution is SUNY’s leading online university, and is New York state’s only public online institution.

SUNY Empire Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Andrea Hennessy said the university’s commitments to access, affordability, and innovative approaches to higher education have been key to the university’s enrollment success.

“SUNY Empire has long recognized the need to serve a constantly changing student demographic and evolving workforce demands,” Hennessy said. "We invested heavily in innovative programs, including online courses, certificate programs, and career-focused majors. These initiatives have attracted a diverse group of learners, from traditional students to working professionals seeking upskilling opportunities.”

Use this resource to learn more about SUNY Empire enrollment increases.