The Ƶ at Lafayette has enrolled the largest freshman class in its history.
UL Lafayette welcomed 3,214 first-time freshmen this fall, a 4.8% increase over last year. This is the third year in a row that the incoming freshman class has exceeded 3,000 students, noted Dr. DeWayne Bowie, vice president for Enrollment Management. “Students and families are choosing the University because it offers a combination of excellent academics, a fun and supportive environment, and top-tier research opportunities,” he said.
Members of the Class of 2029 come from 448 high schools and are academically accomplished. They hold a mean cumulative high school GPA of 3.59, a mean core GPA of 3.73, and an ACT Superscore Composite of 25.15 for those admitted using test scores. UL Lafayette saw a 14% increase in freshmen with an ACT Superscore of 28 or higher and a 16% increase in those with a 23 or higher.
“The academic strength of this class is remarkable,” Bowie added. “We are enrolling more students with high ACT scores, stronger GPAs and greater readiness for college-level work. These students are prepared to thrive in the rigorous learning environment UL Lafayette offers.”
Overall enrollment growth
The Fall 2025 census shows a total enrollment of 19,723 students, a 2.65% increase from last year. Of that figure, 16,100 are degree-seeking students – 13,828 undergraduates and 2,272 graduate students – a 2.78% increase over Fall 2024. The University also enrolled 3,623 non-degree students in training courses, certifications, and Professional and Continuing Education programs.
Undergraduate enrollment grew by 2.95%, and graduate enrollment increased by 1.75%. Continuing student enrollment was up 3.5% from last year. Continuing undergraduate students increased by 2.23%, while continuing graduate students saw a 10.6% increase. At the graduate level, 1,692 students are pursuing master’s degrees, while 547 students are enrolled in doctoral programs.
Dr. Mary Farmer-Kaiser, dean of the , said the rise in continuing graduate students highlights the quality of UL Lafayette’s programs. “That kind of growth and retention is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and the determination of our students,” she said.
Online learning grew as well, with 2,134 students enrolled in online programs, a 9% increase over Fall 2024.
Statewide and global reach
Louisiana’s public colleges and universities take a census of full-time and part-time students on the 14th day of classes each fall semester. The totals are reported to the Louisiana Board of Regents and, in the case of UL Lafayette, to the Ƶ System, as well.
The Fall 2025 census also provides a snapshot of the University community beyond enrollment totals. Among degree-seeking students, nearly 38% are from underrepresented backgrounds; 30% are classified as first-generation, students whose parents did not complete a college degree. Ninety percent of students are from Louisiana and hail from all 64 Louisiana parishes. Forty-six U.S. states, possessions and the District of Columbia and 82 countries are also represented among the student body.