Tennessee college enrollment grows 2% since last fall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Fall 2023 student enrollment data reveals that Tennessee college enrollment is up two percent from last year.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) released the data on Tuesday.

That data showed that for fall 2023, over 214,000 students enrolled into community colleges and public universities.

The increase from fall 2022 is over 4,500 students.

THEC credits this growth to their “Momentum Year 2023,” which they say renews and articulates the value of education in the state of Tennessee. THEC says this initiative contributed to an increase in Tennessee Promise applicants and FAFSA applications.

Community college enrollment saw a 2.8% increase over the past year, according to the Tennessee Board of Regents. They said over 72,000 students enrolled in community colleges this fall.

Additionally, the University of Tennessee saw the largest increase in enrollment. They saw a 4.8% growth over the past year.

Locally, Austin Peay State University and Tennessee Tech University saw the largest headcount growth, data showed.

Chattanooga State Community College also saw a 2.7% increase.