JACKSONVILLE– Jacksonville State University has set another enrollment record, reporting 10,433 students for the fall 2026 semester.

In its Sept. 10 announcement, the university said the latest total marks its sixth consecutive enrollment record and eighth straight year of growth.

The figure exceeds the fall 2025 record of 10,339 by 94 students. Since fall 2018, enrollment has climbed from 8,479 to 10,433, an increase of 1,954 students.

Jax State first moved past the 10,000-student mark in fall 2025.

Freshman Class Contributes to Growth

The university welcomed 1,813 first-time freshmen this fall. That is 172 more students than last year’s class, an increase of nearly 10.5 percent.

Overall, undergraduate enrollment stands at 9,090, while the university has 1,343 graduate students.

President Don C. Killingsworth Jr. said the sustained growth reflects the confidence that students and families place in the university. He also credited faculty and staff members for their work to provide a strong student experience.

At the same time, Killingsworth said Jax State intends to preserve its emphasis on personal connections, opportunity and a close campus community as enrollment rises.

“Our students remain at the center of everything we do,” Killingsworth said.

New Programs and Housing Expand Capacity

Meanwhile, the university expanded its academic offerings for the new academic year. New Bachelor of Science degree programs in aviation and entrepreneurship welcomed their first students this fall.

According to the university, both programs respond to changing student interests and workforce needs. In addition, the opening of West Village added more than 700 beds to on-campus housing.

Jax State also cited other recent investments in academics, student life and the arts as part of its effort to support a growing student population.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Jessica Wiggins tied the eight-year growth trend to the experience students find on campus.

“Our continued growth is a reflection of the experience students find at Jax State,” Wiggins said.

She said prospective students want strong academic opportunities, meaningful connections and a community committed to their success.

Looking ahead, Jax State is accepting applications for the spring 2027 and fall 2027 terms.

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