University of Wyoming Sees Increase in Spring Enrollment, Marking First Growth Since 2020

The University of Wyoming (UW) has reported a modest increase in student enrollment for the 2025 spring semester, the first year-over-year growth since the pandemic, Wyoming New Now reports.

A total of 10,388 students enrolled in classes this spring, up from 10,246 in the 2024 spring semester.

Chad Baldwin, UW’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, attributed the increase to the university’s “strategic enrollment plan,” which has been a response to nationwide declines in enrollment numbers at many colleges and universities. Baldwin emphasized that it has taken time for these efforts to show results, noting that recent recruiting classes have contributed to the rise in enrollment.

In particular, the increase in enrollment is driven by a 3.4% rise in the number of Wyoming residents attending the university. This marks a positive shift in in-state enrollment figures, which had been significantly impacted by the challenges of the pandemic. However, Baldwin also pointed out that attracting out-of-state students remains a priority, as enrollment from outside Wyoming has continued to decline. The university is actively working on plans to reverse this trend.

Another key focus for UW is improving student retention. Baldwin highlighted that the university’s fall-to-spring retention rate has exceeded 93%, while its fall-to-fall retention rate has risen to 79%, up from 76% in 2020. This suggests that more students are staying enrolled at UW, indicating an improved student experience.