Over 61,000 students are expected to be added to Utah’s college and university campuses over the next ten years, according to enrollment projections approved at the May meeting of the Utah State Board of Regents. The total headcount in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) is expected to grow from 179,935 students in Fall 2014 to 241,255 in Fall 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%.

Total USHE Projected Headcount, 2016 (actual) – 2026

Institutional growth rates vary throughout USHE, from 1.8% at Salt Lake Community College, University of Utah and Utah State University, to 6.6% at Dixie State University. Southern Utah University expects to grow at 3%, and Snow College at 5.1%. Utah Valley University comes in at 3.6%, and Weber State University at 4.1%.

Projected Headcount by USHE Institution, 2016 (actual) – 2026

Background

Each year, USHE institutions use statistical models to project enrollment growth at their campus for the next ten years. These projection models are evaluated annually in an open forum/peer review format comprised of Institutional Research professionals from each of the eight USHE institutions. This year’s forum was held on April 23, 2015, and data presented was accepted as valid for each USHE institution.

View previous enrollment projections in past USHE data books.