ENMU announces largest enrollment growth in decades

Eastern New Mexico University recently announced its largest enrollment growth in more than a decade. 

The first-time freshman class is up 18.9%, new graduate students are up 19.7%, and continuing students are up 6.1%, according to an ENMU news release. Total graduate enrollment increased by 13.1%, resulting in a record number of graduate students (1487.) Overall enrollment increased to 5,737, a 6.3% increase from last year, the release stated.

The increase of 339 students — 5,737 at 2024 census day vs. 5,398 at 2023 census day — saw the largest increase in students attending Eastern New Mexico University since the 2011-12 school year.

A majority of the growth was in full-time enrollment for both undergraduate and graduate students, leading to an 8.9% increase in student credit hours, adding over 4,600 more student credit hours compared to fall 2023, the release stated.

ENMU Chancellor James Johnston said this was a result of several factors. 

“One is owning, if you will, your regional market, that you have a very strong presence, and you know the local population that we serve,” Johnston said. 

This was done through recruiting efforts that included visiting high schools and using different events to bring interested students to the campus. 

“Seeing us in person and understanding the family atmosphere that we create, that kind of interaction, that kind of personal touch” has played an important role, according to Johnston. 

Another reason is increased social media efforts and ENMU becoming known as a safe campus. According to a recent ENMU press release, “Niche.com, the market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families online, has ranked Eastern New Mexico University as the safest university in New Mexico for 2025.”