Fall enrollment tops 18,000 at Lamar University

Lamar University has surpassed 18,000 enrolled students for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a milestone in growth and student engagement, according to the university's newly released Admissions & Aid End-of-Year Report.

The report highlights major growth in local recruitment, enhanced operational efficiency, and expanded financial support for students across all colleges.

Freshman enrollment from Jefferson County increased 15%, with the largest gains from Port Neches-Groves High School (up 24%) and West Brook High School (up 25%). The university's new Early Bird Admissions Program partnered with 11 high schools and resulted in 848 admissions and nearly $22 million in scholarship offers.

Campus engagement also saw measurable success. More than 1,100 additional students toured the LU campus compared to last year, with 49% of those visitors enrolling. Orientation sessions drew 1,421 new students across 10 sessions, maintaining a 96% attendance rate.

On the financial side, Lamar awarded more than $25.5 million in aid to first-time college students, an 8% increase from the previous year. State TEXAS Grant funding grew by 78%, and institutional endowments rose 25%. The Office of Student Aid processed aid for more than 18,700 students and reduced document processing time by 52%, while participation in Work-Study increased by 31%.

Deidra Mayer, vice president of admissions and aid, said this year's results reflect the university's commitment to access, efficiency, and student success.

"These results show what's possible when every division works together to put students first," Mayer said. "From high school outreach and scholarship expansion to faster financial aid processing and improved communication tools, our teams are making it easier for students to choose Lamar and feel supported every step of the way."

The report also notes expanded outreach and communication efforts. Lamar's marketing campaigns saw a 43.6% increase in Facebook reach and a 95.9% increase on Instagram. The Welcome Center handled more than 30,000 calls and over 4,000 chatbot conversations, aided by new live chat and AI-powered support systems.

Transfer partnerships also grew with new agreements signed with Lee College, Tarrant County College, and Wharton County Junior College, among others. Meanwhile, the university's "summer melt"-students accepted but not enrolled by fall-fell to just 3.5%, the lowest rate in recent years.

Mayer credited the progress to close collaboration between academic departments and student service teams.

"We're not just recruiting students, we're building relationships that last," Mayer said. "Every conversation, campus visit and piece of communication matters. The results speak for themselves. More students are choosing Lamar, and more are staying to succeed."

To learn more about Lamar University, visit https://http://www.lamar.edu.