Student enrollment at Kansas State increased by 2.8% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of growth after declining steadily since 2012. 

“This is significant for us,” Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management, said. “… Last year was the first time that we saw an increase in over a decade. It was small, but it was in the right direction and we knew that we were on the right trajectory.”

Goos said the rise results from the Strategic Enrollment Plan first developed in 2018.

“We had different themes around that, one being a focus on undergraduate recruitment, affordability, working on our transfer populations — we had goals and initiatives in each of those areas,” Goos said. “Things included changing the way we do our scholarshipping, changing the way that we do our search. We scaled and expanded our campus visit program pretty significantly. We’ve implemented some new technology that allows us to personalize some communications at a scaled rate with the increase of applicants.”

Goos said the increase in enrollment will create opportunities for students and allow for a more comprehensive education.

“At the end of the day, it does mean more revenue coming in,” Goos said. “We’re seeing increased credit hours. You’ll see it with student services. Student government had previously had to cut some funding to student services, clubs and organizations. That should become a little bit healthier pot, so that’s really important. … It is bringing in more resources so that we can go back to fulfilling that commitment of making sure that you have an excellent experience while you’re here.”

According to a news release from K-State, enrollment in the College of Veterinary Medicine increased by 3.6%. 

Calli Rost, assistant dean for admissions of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said students are beginning to recognize the excellent education the school provides. 

“This year we have received over 2,000 applications for our 120 seats, which is the most I think the school has ever received,” Rost said. “I do think that the word is getting out about what a great place K-State is for the students not only to learn in the profession and become practice-ready veterinarians when they graduate but also just that it’s a friendly place to come to vet school. They have lots of support from the faculty and the administration.”

Goos said K-State’s mission is to enroll a diverse student population to improve education for all.

“We want to make sure that we’re adhering to our core mission and our core values of providing access to a Research 1, world-class education to anybody,” Goos said. “As we think about that, we want to define ourselves by who we include, not who we exclude. That’s going to be very different than a mission of a highly selective Research 1 institution. We measure ourselves, if we’re fulfilling that commitment, by ensuring that those who are traditionally underserved are still both having access, but also success, at the institution.”

K-State’s enrollment of Pell-eligible first-year students increased by 27.8% in 2024.

“The general eligibility requirements are that you must be, or demonstrate financial need for most programs,” a representative of Federal Student Aid said. “There are some basic eligibility requirements such as having a social security number, enrollment in a school and more.”

Goos said as the student population climbs, K-State strives to ensure learners don’t lose opportunities.

“We’re really thoughtful about our growth,” Goos said. “… Making sure students still feel like they’re important and that they’re thriving here, so that well-being, that success level is still really important. We do think about what’s the optimal growth and what’s the optimal size for each [program], and that’s going to be an important part of our Next-Gen Strategic Enrollment Plan, is making sure that if we need to grow beyond our resources that we’re resourcing for that growth.”

According to the news release, K-State “retains 85.5% of its first-time freshmen.” 

“I think that when you’re making decisions from budget, to service, to how I teach with that learner experience in mind, I think it pays off, and I think students know they’re valued here,” Goos said. “People care about them. You’re not just a number, you’re not just a revenue. You have a whole host of people in your corner cheering for your success, and I think that’s the one thing that makes K-State unique and a special place to go to school.”