Southern Utah University Celebrates Double-Digit Growth

Published: October 02, 2019 | Author: David Bishop | Read Time: 2 minutes

student talking to teacher in classroomFor the first time ever, Southern Utah University’s student population includes more than 11,000 students, according to the newly released Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) annual third week enrollment report. This represents a 10.1% year-to-year increase from Fall 2018. According to the report, SUU has 11,224 students, which includes all on-campus, online, certificate and licensure programs. 

SUU also enjoyed a 27% increase in the number of international students attending the university. That represents 727 students from 61 countries. 

For the past five years, Southern Utah University has experienced rapid growth increasing enrollment by more than 2,300 students since 2015 while maintaining the “student-first” goal of the administration, faculty and staff. 

“Our continued growth can be attributed to a number of factors but what we always hear from students is that SUU feels like home,” said Brandon Wright, assistant vice president for enrollment management. “SUU has often been called the best secret in the state university system. One thing is for certain - the secret is out.”

Part of Southern Utah University’s growth plan includes innovative ideas like the new Three Year Bachelor’s Degree program, which gives students the option of completing an undergraduate degree in less time. When the program launches in January 2020, SUU will be the only public university in Utah offering a three-year degree option. 

“Constant innovation is key in growing Southern Utah University,” said Scott L Wyatt, President of Southern Utah University. “The new three-year degree, as well as growth in our online options will allow us to grow responsibly over the next five years while maintaining the personalized attention students have come to expect from SUU.” 

Southern Utah University has built a national reputation in guaranteeing that quality higher education can also be affordable. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked SUU as 7th in the nation, 2nd in the west, and tops in Utah for lowest student debt among public regional universities. That ranking was confirmed by LendEDU’s annual student loan debt report - naming SUU as the best public university in Utah for lowest student debt upon graduation. 

Southern Utah University provides a robust variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on-campus and online. SUU offers 145 undergraduate and 18 graduate degree programs - the most in southern Utah.


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