Freshman enrollment grows at University of Nebraska at Kearney

KEARNEY – First-time freshman enrollment increased at the University of Nebraska at Kearney this fall, even as overall enrollment declined. UNK enrolled 824 full-time, first-time freshmen, up 29 students, or 3.6%, from fall 2025. Overall fall enrollment is 5,477 students, down 222, or 3.9%, from last year. Undergraduate enrollment is 3,918, down 138, or 3.4%, while graduate enrollment is 1,559, down 84, or 5.1%. UNK students this fall represent 91 Nebraska counties, 44 states and 61 countries. 'The growth in our freshman class is an encouraging sign and reflects the value students and families see in a UNK education,' said UNK Chancellor Neal Schnoor. 'That value is reflected in peer-leading retention rates, strong preparation and placement rates, affordability and graduates' success in careers that strengthen Nebraska.' Several academic areas recorded enrollment growth, including programs connected to high-demand careers and Nebraska's workforce needs. In the College of Arts and Sciences, health sciences continue to be a major growth area, increasing by 28 students, or 2.96%, to 975. This area includes students pursuing pre-professional health programs, the sciences and the bachelor's degree in health sciences. Since 2020, the health science programs have seen a 30% increase, from 748 to 975 students. Political science also continues to see growth. The College of Business and Technology recorded undergraduate growth in industrial technology, management and marketing/agribusiness/supply chain management. Overall college enrollment also increased by 1.3% to 1,144 students. In the College of Education, communication disorders and counseling, school psychology and family science recorded enrollment growth. A decline in international enrollment is one factor in the overall decrease. UNK currently has 212 international students, 51 fewer than last year and the largest year-over-year decline since 2020. UNK continues to focus its enrollment efforts on recruitment and retention, affordability, academic programs aligned with workforce needs and the support students need to successfully complete their degrees. 'Growing the freshman class gives us an important foundation to build on. We're also seeing continued student interest in programs that prepare graduates for high-demand careers,' said Brad Green, chief enrollment management officer. 'Our focus is on recruiting those students, supporting them through graduation and connecting them with opportunities in Nebraska.' UNK fall enrollment at a glance Full-time, first-time freshmen: 824, up 29 (3.6%) Total enrollment: 5,477, down 222 (3.9%) Undergraduate enrollment: 3,918, down 138 (3.4%) Graduate enrollment: 1,559, down 84 (5.1%)