K-State enrollment inches up as statewide numbers decrease
Four years ago, K-State’s enrollment dipped below 20,000 for the first time since 1988. Since then, it has slowly increased and continues that trend this year
President Richard Linton announced Sept. 18 during his State of the University Address that enrollment has risen 7.96% since he took office in February 2022.
In last year’s fall semester, K-State saw 21,213 students enrolled. Linton said enrollment has now gone up to 21,291, an increase of 78 students, but this is not the final number.
“The number we’re projecting will be up about 150 students,” Linton said. “But the final census day won’t be until the 30th of September. We’re looking for a very small increase compared to last year.”
While the Kansas Board of Regents has not posted its official enrollment numbers for the 2026-27 school year, Linton said colleagues from other Kansas universities tell him their numbers are either staying flat or slightly declining.
“We feel very fortunate that K-State’s headed in a positive direction relative to student enrollment,” Linton said.
K-State reached its peak all-time enrollment in fall 2014 with a total headcount of 24,766 students across its campuses.
Linton said student retention is also increasing. Projected numbers are set to be released in the next few weeks.
“That number is going to go up pretty considerably,” Linton said.
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