Indiana State University is building on last year's enrollment gains with 1,607 new freshmen, its largest freshman class in six years, and double-digit growth in new transfer and graduate enrollment.
Growth Spans Freshman, Transfer and Graduate Enrollment
Indiana State welcomed 1,607 new freshmen this fall. New transfer enrollment grew 13% to 518 students, the University's largest transfer class since Fall 2022. New graduate enrollment also grew 13% to 505 students, the largest incoming graduate class since Fall 2020.
“Indiana State is moving forward with real momentum, and these results reflect the extraordinary work taking place across our university,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. “Students and families recognize the value of an Indiana State education and the opportunities it creates. We are welcoming more students, strengthening the experience they receive and preparing them to build successful lives and careers in Indiana and beyond.”
Together, these gains produced a 5% year-over-year increase in students new to Indiana State and the University's highest new-student enrollment since Fall 2020.
More Indiana Students Choose Indiana State
Indiana students comprise 89% of the incoming freshman class, up from 86% last fall. Indiana State enrolled 1,426 new freshmen from the state, a 4% year-over-year increase.
The growth strengthens Indiana State's role as an important destination for Indiana students seeking an affordable, career-connected education close to home.
Indiana State connects students with personalized support, rigorous academic experiences and career opportunities that prepare them to launch meaningful careers and contribute to the communities they call home.
Enrollment Growth Paired with Focus on Student Success
Indiana State is pairing enrollment growth with a sustained focus on student success. The Fall 2025 freshman cohort posted a 67% freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, and the University continues to invest in the support students need to persist and graduate.
“Enrollment growth and student success must advance together,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Maribeth Stevens. “Our strategy is designed not only to bring more students to Indiana State, but also to support them through graduation. This year's gains across freshman, transfer and graduate enrollment reflect the shared commitment of our entire campus to welcoming students and helping them thrive.”
That commitment includes personalized advising and support, academic resources, career-connected learning and programs that help students navigate the college experience from enrollment through graduation.
Honors College Extends Strong Momentum
The Honors College welcomed 400 new students this fall, marking the second consecutive year with at least 400 incoming Honors students.
Total Honors enrollment reached 1,260, up 5% from last year and underscoring Indiana State's growing appeal to high-achieving students seeking a challenging, engaging college experience.
Growth Advances Take Root & Rise
Fall 2026 enrollment results build on last year's gains and advance the priorities of Take Root & Rise, Indiana State’s new strategic plan.
The plan centers on Innovative Curriculum, an Exceptional Student Experience and Unified People & Processes, reinforced by a Culture of Care and Career-Connectedness.
“We are moving forward with purpose,” President Godard said. “Take Root & Rise gives us a clear strategy to strengthen the student experience, connect learning to careers and expand Indiana State's impact. When our students succeed, Indiana succeeds through a stronger workforce, greater opportunity and thriving communities.”
These enrollment gains reflect Indiana State's broader momentum in creating an exceptional student experience, expanding career-connected opportunities and helping every student see a clear path from college to career.
Fall 2026 New Student Snapshot
• 1,607 new freshmen, the largest freshman class in six years.
• 1,426 new freshmen are Indiana residents, a 4% increase from last fall.
• 50.7% of new freshmen are first-generation college students.
• 52.8% of new freshmen are Pell-eligible.
• 21.8% of new freshmen are 21st Century Scholars.
• 400 new Honors College students.
• Highest overall new-student enrollment since Fall 2020.
Additional Fall 2026 Enrollment Highlights
• Total undergraduate enrollment: 6,238.
• Total Honors College enrollment: 1,260, up 5% from last fall.
• Freshman-to-sophomore retention for the Fall 2025 cohort: 67%.
• Total graduate enrollment: 1,547, up 2% from last fall.