TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — This fall, Indiana State University welcomed its largest freshman class in five years and saw record-breaking student retention while overall headcount remains flat.
According to a news release, Indiana State University’s enrollment headcount for the fall of 2025 includes a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,352, a slight increase of about 2%. Of that number, 5,039 students are Indiana residents. Overall, the University’s Honors College enrollment is up by 12.3%, and the 4-year graduation rate improved 3.7% from last year.
ISU sees largest freshman class in 5 years
“We’re welcoming one thousand six hundred and two new freshmen to Indiana State’s campus this fall. That’s a thirteen percent increase just from last year’s freshman class.” President Mike Godard said about how many freshmen were in this year’s class.
The news release states that the freshman headcount increased to 1,602 for the fall 2025 semester. That’s nearly a 13% increase over last fall’s 1,419 freshman students.
The release states that this fall’s freshman class is the largest the university has seen since 2020.
“We are thrilled to see more students choosing Indiana State University,” ISU President Mike Godard said. “This milestone reflects a true campus-wide effort – faculty and staff providing personalized support, alumni and community partners championing our mission, and our enrollment team’s focused outreach all working together to make Indiana State accessible for Indiana students and beyond,” he added.
The freshman class is made up of 48.9% first-generation college students, 51.1% Pell-eligible students, 17.7% 21st Century Scholars, and 415 new Honors College students, which is a record-setting.
“I see a lot of more engagement, not just with students that are in organization, but more of those students who are a little bit more shy and seeing the different leadership come in being more active with the community and seeing them actually out in the spaces where students are every day.” Indiana State senior Emma Byers mentioned on what she has seen while being at ISU for four years.
ISU Honors College continues to show growth
The release states that the achievement highlights Indiana State’s increasing appeal to high-achieving students.
“The record-breaking growth in our Honors College and the significant gains in student retention speak volumes about the academic quality and culture of care we provide,” Godard said. “Our faculty and staff continue to be deeply committed to preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives, and it’s clear that students are responding to that mission,” he added.
Freshman-Sophomore cohort shows promising retention
In addition to a larger freshman class, the University also noted “the highest freshman-to-sophomore retention rate in University history at 69.4%.” The release states that the retention rate shows a notable increase among Project Success students, including 21st Century Scholars, first-generation college students, and Pell-eligible students, noting the impact of targeted support programs like Project Success, which is funded through the Lilly Endowment and provides resources, mentoring, and guidance to help students thrive academically.
According to the release, “Combined undergraduate and graduate full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment and total credit hours increased compared to last year, reflecting stronger academic engagement.”
“Along with the record retention rates that we have this year, we’re also seeing a significant increase in our 4-year graduation for our students. Which makes sure that we’re again being a solution for the work force needs and demands for the entire state of Indiana and beyond and making sure that those students cross the finish line with a degree in hand.” President Godard said on the increased retention rate and graduation rate.
“The engagement and the retention of my class has been absolutely incredible. It’s great to see all of these events that we’re putting on as student government association or any other organization that I represent having such great turnout, it’s not something that I had seen initially my freshman year but then continuing and bringing in this new freshman class, has been absolutely incredible.” Sophomore at Indiana State Miles Clapp said when asked about the retention and representation by the students at Indiana State.
Despite overall headcount remaining flat, officials remain optimistic
The release went on to state that the University’s overall enrollment headcount remained flat due to smaller incoming classes in prior years and saw a slight decrease in new graduate and international enrollment, as anticipated.
“Indiana State is on a trajectory of growth and excellence,” Vice President of Enrollment Management Maribeth Stevens said. “This year’s enrollment milestones demonstrate that students and families recognize the value of an Indiana State University education – one that combines rigorous academics, innovative curriculum, a supportive community, and countless opportunities for career connectedness.”
“We have removed the application fee for students as well. Along with revamping our campus visit experience. Highlighting the ability for prospective students and their families to meet with faculty members while they are here on campus to be able to learn more about the programs that they are pursuing and sharing the information from those that they’ll be learning in the classroom.” Vice President of Enrollment Management at Indiana State Maribeth Stevens said when asked why the school thinks the enrollment is increasing.
“We’re going to look to expand that out to other programs to other disciplines, and again truly try to replicate that as we move forward, so that all of our students have paid internship opportunities and have the ability to have competitive scholarships in their disciplines of choice as well.” President Godard said when asked about what ISU can do to help encourage more students to come and help keep them at ISU.
Officials remain optimistic.
When Indiana State thrives, Terre Haute thrives,” Godard said. “Together, we are building momentum that benefits our students, our community, and our state.”
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