Henderson State enrollment surges again; freshman class grows 33%

Henderson State University welcomed one of its largest first-time freshman classes in school history and increased overall student enrollment for the third straight year on Fall 2026 census day.

Preliminary 11th-day reporting shows a near-record freshman class of 740 students - a 33% increase from 2025 and a monumental 143% leap over the last four years. Total university enrollment surged again, with 2,465 students on campus for Fall 2026, a 9.7% increase from 2025 and the largest student body at Henderson State since 2022.

"The trajectory of Henderson State University is extremely exciting, and these numbers reinforce that our campus community is thriving and connecting with students in a personal way," Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry said. "This has been a team effort, and I am inspired by the people of this university every day. They genuinely care for our students and their colleagues."

On-campus housing reflected the increase in overall student enrollment and climbed 21% with 1,324 residents in Fall 2026 compared to 1,094 in Fall 2025. Despite the conclusion of several state grants for graduate programs in Teachers' College, Henderson's graduate enrollment decreased by just 12%.

In addition to its growing student body, Henderson State did not increase tuition for the 2026-27 school year, keeping it one of the most affordable options in the state for prospective students and their families.

"There is so much energy at Henderson right now," Berry said. "Our growth over the last three years is a testament to the fact that this truly is the School with a Heart! I invite everyone to come visit us and see the Reddie difference for themselves."