USCA sets new student enrollment record

AIKEN, S.C. (Aug. 20, 2024) – The University of South Carolina Aiken welcomed 695 new freshmen on Aug. 19 for the start of the 2024-25 academic year, the largest number of new freshmen in university history. Coupled with increases in transfer and continuing student enrollment, the university has set a new enrollment record for the current academic year with nearly 4,000 students, up 12% from the year prior.

In addition, the university’s residence halls are near capacity, with nearly 800 students choosing to live on campus.

“We’re fortunate that students and families continue to choose USCA to further their academic and professional aspirations,” said USCA Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann. “At USCA, we’re hyper-focused on the student – support for the student, career counseling, communication, and personalized attention and mentorship – which ultimately lead to lifetime success and upward social mobility. That’s a calling we’re proud to own.”

Top majors among new students include nursing, business administration, applied computer science, biology, undeclared, exercise and sports science, mechanical engineering, and psychology.

Also contributing to the growth is the university’s introduction of several new academic programs for the 2024-25 academic year, including new bachelor’s degree offerings in public health and software engineering, new master’s degree program offerings in computer and information science, and educator leadership; and new certificate programs in real estate, strategic communication, and Spanish for the clinical encounter.

The university has also witnessed improved freshmen retention as faculty and staff have prioritized student success supports and initiatives. After Labor Day, the university plans to open a new Student Success Center on the first floor of the Gregg–Graniteville Library, which will include centralized access to advisement, tutoring, and financial services.

“We’re proud of the hard work of our admissions team and campus colleagues,” said Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Daniel Robb. “In a time when enrollments are declining nationally, we’re honored to celebrate the largest enrollment in university history.”

USCA is now accepting applications for 2025. Apply here.

Final enrollment numbers will be available in October.