Indiana State University is celebrating strong momentum in student enrollment this fall, highlighted by the largest freshman class in five years and historical student retention.
Largest Freshman Class Since 2020
1,602 new freshmen joined the Sycamore community this fall, underscoring the University’s unwavering commitment to student success, personalized support, and academic excellence. The freshman enrollment is a 13% increase over last year.
“We are thrilled to see more students choosing Indiana State University,” said President Mike Godard. “This milestone reflects a true campus-wide effort - faculty and staff providing personalized support, alumni and community partners championing our mission, and our enrollment team’s focused outreach all working together to make Indiana State accessible for Indiana students and beyond.”
Improved Student Persistence and Retention
Indiana State has also experienced historic improvements in student persistence, with the highest freshman-to-sophomore retention rate in University history at 69.4%. Retention has increased notably among Project Success students - specifically 21st Century Scholars, first-generation, and Pell-eligible - highlighting the impact of targeted support programs. Project Success, an Indiana State initiative funded through the Lilly Endowment, provides resources, mentoring, and guidance designed to help students thrive academically.
Combined undergraduate and graduate full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment and total credit hours increased compared to last year, reflecting stronger academic engagement. While the University saw a slight decrease in new graduate and international enrollment as anticipated, overall headcount enrollment remained flat due to smaller incoming classes in prior years.
“Indiana State is on a trajectory of growth and excellence,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Maribeth Stevens. “This year’s enrollment milestones demonstrate that students and families recognize the value of an Indiana State University education - one that combines rigorous academics, innovative curriculum, a supportive community, and countless opportunities for career connectedness.”
Honors College Growth
The Honors College, known for its challenging curriculum and engaged learning opportunities, also welcomed a record-setting freshman class of 415 new students. This achievement highlights Indiana State’s increasing appeal to high-achieving students across Indiana, the Midwest, and beyond.
President Godard emphasized the importance of these enrollment gains for the University’s academic mission.
“The record-breaking growth in our Honors College and the significant gains in student retention speak volumes about the academic quality and culture of care we provide,” Godard said. “Our faculty and staff continue to be deeply committed to preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives, and it’s clear that students are responding to that mission.”
A Positive Outlook
Indiana State remains a cornerstone of the Terre Haute community, contributing to the local economy and civic life. President Godard noted: “When Indiana State thrives, Terre Haute thrives. Together, we are building momentum that benefits our students, our community, and our state.”
Looking ahead, Indiana State University is expanding high-quality programs, strengthening ties to workforce needs, investing in student success initiatives, and enhancing flexible learning opportunities - all while building business and industry work-based learning opportunities that ensure every Sycamore has the resources to thrive through graduation and beyond.
New Freshman Student Demographics
- Indiana State welcomed 1,602 first-time, full-time students this fall.
- 48.9% are first-generation college students.
- 51.1% are Pell-eligible.
- 17.7% are 21st Century Scholars.
- 415 new Honors College students.
Key Enrollment Highlights for Fall 2025:
- Total undergraduate enrollment is 6,352, a 2% increase.
- Honors College enrollment is up by 12.3%.
- 5,039 undergraduate students are Indiana residents, a 4.6% increase.
- 69.4% freshman-to-sophomore year retention rate for Fall 2024 Cohort.
- 4-year graduation improved by 3.7% over last year.