USAO Reports Significant Enrollment Growth for Fall 2025, Including 23% Increase in Freshmen Class
Contact: Hannah Thompson | (405) 574-1362
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma announced today its official Fall 2025 enrollment figures, highlighting strong momentum with both overall growth and a remarkable 23 percent increase in its freshmen class.
The university’s census reports a total headcount of 1,074 students; an increase of 48 students compared to Fall 2024. This represents a 47 percent increase since Fall 2020. Full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment also rose sharply, climbing 7 percent from 909 to 969 students.
“We are incredibly proud to see this momentum continue, especially in our incoming class,” said Kayla Hale, President of USAO. “The significant increase in our freshmen enrollment demonstrates that students and families are recognizing the unique value of our interdisciplinary liberal arts education and the quality of the academic experience that we provide.”
The freshmen class grew by 52 students, bringing total first-year enrollment to 280. Alongside this growth, overall credit hours increased by 7 percent, while concurrent credit hours increased by 5 percent.
“The growth in concurrent credit hours underscores the strong partnerships we have with not only Chickasha and Grady County high schools, but high schools across the state.” said Sheppard McConnell, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life. “High school students are eager to get a head start on their college careers by taking our rigorous university courses. This serves as an excellent pipeline for future USAO students and future leaders of our community.”
Over the past five years, USAO has experienced transformative enrollment growth, including an astonishing 109 percent increase in freshmen enrollment since 2020, a trajectory that affirms the university’s role as Oklahoma’s public liberal arts college and a statewide leader in higher education innovation.
ABOUT USAO
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.