Over 50,000 students are expected to be added to Utah’s college and university campuses over the next ten years, according to enrollment projections approved last week by the Utah State Board of Regents. The total headcount in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) is expected to grow from 174,010 students in Fall 2014 to 226,251 in Fall 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

Total USHE Projected Headcount, 2014 (actual) – 2024

Institutional growth rates vary throughout USHE, from 1% at Salt Lake Community College to 5.4% at Snow College. The University of Utah is projected to grow by about 1.5%, Utah State University 2.3%, Southern Utah University 2.2%, and Dixie State University 2.5%. Both Utah Valley University and Weber State University expect to grow by about 4%.

Projected Headcount by USHE Institution, 2014 (actual) – 2024

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.