Southeastern sees strong growth in enrollment

Southeastern Louisiana University’s fall semester has shown significant enrollment growth, achieving its strongest overall enrollment in 13 years, the university recently reported.

“Students and families understand the value in a Southeastern education,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “As we enter a new century of educating students, we are confident in our ability to prepare the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, nurses, teachers, business leaders and citizens of Louisiana – continued strategic enrollment growth honors our commitment and validates our mission.”

With an overall enrollment increase of 7.8 percent at 15,570 students, Southeastern experienced growth in several categories.
     • Undergraduate enrollment rose by 3.1 percent.
     • Graduate enrollment rose by 3.4 percent, reaching the highest graduate student population in over a decade.
     • New first-time freshmen increased by 1.2 percent.
     • New incoming transfer students rose by 6.8 percent.

“Our recruitment strategy is simple but powerful—stay true to our mission. By focusing on meaningful academic experiences and strong connections to the Northshore and Southeast Louisiana parishes, we’re ensuring students know Southeastern is a place where they can and will succeed,” said Chief Enrollment Management Officer Kay Maurin.

Notable growth was also achieved in the College of Honors and Excellence, where enrollment saw a 17.1 percent increase over last year, experiencing the largest incoming freshman honors class ever. It’s the first time the Honors Program has had more than 1,000 students in its 45-year history.

Dean of the College of Honors and Excellence Claire Procopio attributes the growth in the Honors Program to the outstanding work Honors Program Director Amber Narro has done in relaying the unique research and networking opportunities available to honors students.

“Southeastern’s work reaching out to dual enrollment and AP students to build a cadre of incoming freshmen, who are familiar with the value of honors courses and academic effort, has also been a big part of the program’s growth and success,” Procopio said.

With over a $1 billion economic impact on the region, Southeastern currently offers over 150 programs of study, including many that are regionally and nationally ranked. To apply, visit southeastern.edu.