Enrollment grows at Eastern Oregon University for Fall 2024

Enrollment grows at Eastern Oregon University for Fall 2024

LA GRANDE, Ore. – New student enrollments and retention rates are increasing at Eastern Oregon University (EOU), as the school announces its official fall numbers. With a 2.7% increase in enrollment for Fall 2024, nearly 100 more students are on campus, including a larger group of first-year students compared to last year. EOU’s current student total headcount is 2,954. Additionally, students are taking more credit hours, which has grown by 4.4%.

“I am very proud of our enrollment and retention rates. They are the result of a lot of hard work by the EOU community,” President Kelly Ryan said. “We are fortunate to be increasing our numbers despite national trends. Our success comes from our faculty and staff dedicated to making higher education accessible, and creating a University where student success is at the heart of what we do.”

Retention rates increased to 70.6%, up from 68.2% last year, adding to the number of students who are continuing their studies at EOU. Graduate enrollments also saw a significant increase, up by 8%, driven by a growing number of continuing students who are pursuing additional education opportunities with EOU’s current master’s programs in education and business and new programs in behavioral health. 

“The increases in retention at the undergraduate and graduate levels shows that our students are not only choosing EOU but are finding the programs and academic and student support they need to stay and thrive,” Peter Geissinger, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs said. “We are building a community where students feel valued and are empowered to succeed.”

Designated by the state as Oregon’s Rural University, EOU plays a vital role in helping underserved communities access higher education. The growth in both enrollment and retention shows the strength of the University’s recruitment efforts, the quality of its student-focused programs, and the effectiveness of its support services. To learn more about Eastern Oregon University, visit eou.edu.