NDUS sees highest enrollment since 2014

September 24, 2025

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota University System (NDUS) recorded a surge in fall semester enrollment for 2025, surpassing numbers reported in 2024 and its highest enrollment since 2014. With a headcount of 47,552 students, NDUS headcount enrollment was just short of its record in 2011, which was 48,883. The numbers were depicted through census data validated by the NDUS’s 11 institutions.

Overall headcount this fall was up 3.8 percent over last year’s data, which was 45,806 students for Fall 2024. The 2024 headcount was up 3.6 percent from 44,227 in 2023. Full-time equivalents also were up this fall at 3.9 percent for a total of 36,150 students, and credit hours produced were up 4 percent at 532,052 total credit hours (up from 511,484 in Fall 2024).

“North Dakota’s colleges and universities continue to attract students from across the region because of their innovative programs, strong career pathways and welcoming campus communities,” said North Dakota University System Commissioner Brent Sanford. “This fall, the energy on our campuses has been extraordinary. Students know that when they choose North Dakota, they’re choosing a culture that puts them first and a faculty and staff dedicated to helping them succeed in their future careers.”

Additional demographic data showed that high school students in the system had increased from 5,601 to 6,013 this fall. Undergraduates (not including high school students) were up from 33,484 to 34,729, while graduate and professional students were up 59 students.

Further demographic data will be compiled for a 2025 Fall Enrollment Report, which will be available in October.