by Colton Campbell

Numbers released by the University System of Georgia (USG) show the University of West Georgia added more than 850 Wolves to its enrollment over the past year, an increase of 7.2 percent and bringing its Fall 2023 total to 12,769 students.

The breakdown of the enrollment data showcases several key highlights:

    Graduate Enrollment: In a remarkable leap, graduate enrollment surged by more than 33% in one year, with 4,315 students choosing to pursue advanced degrees at UWG.

    UWG Total Credit Hours: UWG students have collectively undertaken 118,395 credit hours in Fall 2023, reflecting a 1.4% increase year-over-year, the first uptick in student credit hour production since 2016.

    First-to-Second-Year Retention: The institution reached a historic milestone in its retention of students from their first year into their second year this fall, with 76% of students choosing to return to UWG. This marks a 2.7% increase over last year and is the highest first-to-second-year retention rate in the institution’s history.

Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG’s president, noted the increase in retention demonstrates that a substantial number of first-year students who began their UWG journey last year found such value in the experience that they chose to continue their education at the institution.

“Students choosing us is our guiding metric at the University of West Georgia, and I am thrilled to see the remarkable increase in our student enrollment, which reflects our commitment to putting them at the center of everything we do,” Kelly said. “This achievement is a testament to the career-connected learning experiences our students have at UWG as we dedicate ourselves to the curation of a first-choice university. I look forward to our continuing to build on this foundation, particularly as we elevate to compete at the highest level in NCAA Division I athletics next fall.”

UWG’s strategic approach to enhancing enrollment includes an emphasis on experiential learning, innovative academic programs, professional mentorship opportunities and campuses that foster a sense of belonging and connectedness in the community.

“Especially in light of national trends and the competitive marketplace in which we operate, I am proud of the strides we have made to attract – and retain – more students at the University of West Georgia,” said Kimberly Scranage, UWG’s vice president for strategic enrollment management. “We understand that enrolling in a university is a life-changing decision, and we are dedicated to making UWG the first choice for students seeking a high-quality education in a supportive community.”