In The Know with Gino: UTC Celebrates Record Freshman Class and Growing Enrollment

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Chattanooga, TN – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is welcoming its largest-ever freshman class this fall, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. According to the latest official census data, the incoming first-time, full-time freshman class comprises an impressive 2,359 students, reflecting a remarkable 5.8% increase from the previous fall semester.

This surge in new student enrollment is a testament to UTC’s continued growth trajectory, reminiscent of the pre-COVID era when the first-year class expanded from 1,852 in 2015 to an impressive record of 2,297 in 2019. The university’s commitment to academic excellence and its appeal to prospective students have clearly remained strong.

Overall, UTC’s total headcount for the current semester stands at 11,380 students, marking a 0.9% increase from the previous year. This figure includes 9,982 undergraduates and 1,398 graduate students, highlighting UTC’s diverse academic community. Impressively, a majority of these students are Tennessee residents, with 89% of undergraduates and 73% of graduate students hailing from the state.

In a striking indication of the growing demand for advanced education opportunities at UTC, the campus has experienced a remarkable 12.9% increase in new graduate student enrollment. Additionally, the university has seen a 4.7% uptick in new transfer students compared to the previous year, reflecting its growing appeal among students seeking a quality education.

One of the standout achievements for UTC this fall is the freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, which stands at an impressive 74.3%. This retention rate surpasses the figures seen in any pre-COVID year, underscoring the university’s dedication to supporting and retaining its students throughout their academic journeys.

University officials and staff are thrilled by the record-breaking freshman class and the overall growth in enrollment. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga continues to serve as a beacon of educational opportunity for students, both in Tennessee and beyond, as it maintains its commitment to providing a world-class education and fostering student success.

SOURCES: UTC & NOOGAtoday