The University of Houston is carrying strong enrollment momentum into the fall semester, welcoming a record-breaking class of nearly 7,100 freshmen — the first in UH history to top 7,000 — and marking the third consecutive year of record freshman enrollment, the university system announced on August 24.

Interest in UH also reached a new high, with nearly 39,000 completed freshman applications, a 12 percent increase from last year.

Those records reflect broader growth across the University, including an increase in new graduate students, continued strength in transfer enrollment and a growing Honors College.

“Another record-breaking class of freshmen means one thing: more students are choosing the University of Houston,” said Diane Z. Chase, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at UH. “They are discovering that the University is the perfect place to live, learn and launch their academic careers. We are honored to welcome both new and returning students to UH and support them on their journeys on campus and beyond.”

A top destination for students

The new freshman class is drawing students from across the country and around the world. Outside of Texas, the top states sending freshmen to UH are California, Louisiana and Illinois, while the most new international freshmen are coming from Vietnam, Canada and India.

The colleges enrolling the most new students are the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Cullen College of Engineering, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the C. T. Bauer College of Business.

The University’s appeal also makes it a leading destination for transfer students, with more than 4,100 new transfers joining UH this fall. Last year, U.S. News & World Report ranked UH No. 5 nationally — and No. 1 in Texas — for transfer enrollment.

Investing in student success

As enrollment grows, so does UH’s investment in the students it serves. Merit scholarships awarded to new undergraduate students increased 18 percent from last year and are up 51 percent since 2024.


Honors and graduate education are seeing gains as well. New graduate enrollment is up 6.5 percent this fall, reversing a decline last year, while the Honors College is welcoming 750 new students.

“The growth we’re seeing in the Honors College reflects the caliber and ambition of the students choosing the University of Houston,” said Brenda Rhoden, assistant dean for student success in the Honors College. “They come to UH ready to challenge themselves, explore new ideas and take

advantage of the opportunities that come with being part of a major research university. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”

About the University of Houston The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most culturally rich regions in the country, UH enrolls nearly 49,000 students.


R Key HOUSTON, Aug. 24 – The University of Houston is carrying strong enrollment momentum into the fall semester, welcoming a record-breaking class of nearly 7,100 freshmen — the first in UH history to top 7,000 — and marking the third consecutive year of record freshman enrollment. Interest in UH also reached a new high, with nearly 39,000 completed freshman applications, a 12% increase from last year. Those records reflect broader growth across the University, including an increase in new graduate students, continued strength in transfer enrollment and a growing Honors College. “Another record-breaking class of freshmen means one thing: more students are choosing the University of Houston,” said Diane Z. Chase, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at UH. “They are discovering that the University is the perfect place to live, learn and launch their academic careers. We are honored to welcome both new and returning students to UH and support them on their journeys on campus and beyond.”

A Top Destination for Students The new freshman class is drawing students from across the country and around the world. Outside of Texas, the top states sending freshmen to UH are California, Louisiana and Illinois, while the most new international freshmen are coming from Vietnam, Canada and India. The colleges enrolling the most new students are the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Cullen College of Engineering, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the C. T. Bauer College of Business. The University’s appeal also makes it a leading destination for transfer students, with more than 4,100 new transfers joining UH this fall. Last year, U.S. News & World Report ranked UH No. 5 nationally — and No. 1 in Texas — for transfer enrollment. Investing in Student Success As enrollment grows, so does UH’s investment in the students it serves. Merit scholarships awarded to new undergraduate students increased 18% from last year and are up 51% since 2024. Honors and graduate education are seeing gains as well. New graduate enrollment is up 6.5% this fall, reversing a decline last year, while the Honors College is welcoming 750 new students. “The growth we’re seeing in the Honors College reflects the caliber and ambition of the students choosing the University of Houston,” said Brenda Rhoden, assistant dean for student success in the Honors College. “They come to UH ready to challenge themselves, explore new ideas and take advantage of the opportunities that come with being part of a major research university. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish.” View story on UH website

**Media interested in photo, video and interview opportunities should contact Bryan Luhn at (843) 810-1425 or jbluhn@central.uh.edu. About the University of Houston The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most culturally rich regions in the country, UH enrolls nearly 49,000 students.