One Big Coogs House
University of Houston is bigger than ever: New record enrollment speaks to a larger plan
The University of Houston's main campus is experiencing a serious, record-breaking boost in student enrollment.
Preliminary fall enrollment for 2014 has reached 40,959, marking the largest enrollment in the university's 87-year history. With a 3.6 percent increase from last year, 32,980 undergraduates and 7,979 graduate students are currently enrolled in the college.
"Our record enrollment reflects the undeniable, palpable energy on display on our campus."
Of the more than 32,000 undergraduates, 4,057 of them are first-time college students who make up the most impressive freshman class in UH's history, based on their SAT scores.
"We are continuing to broaden our overall excellence, which includes enhancing the undergraduate education experience and improving our college completion rate," UH president Renu Khator said in a statement. "Given the added benefit of experiencing our dynamic city, Houston, I am not surprised that the best and the brightest have chosen to enroll at UH."
Nearly half of all incoming freshmen have enrolled in the university's UHin4 program — which pushes undergraduate students to attain their degree in four years — and the university says the program has improved student retention and graduation rates.
"Our record enrollment reflects the undeniable, palpable energy on display on our campus," Khator said. "It is an exciting time to be a Cougar."
In comparison, the University of Texas at Austin reported 52,067 students enrolled in 2013.
The bright pink reusable tote bag has rainbow straps.Photo courtesy of Sanrio