Supported by six consecutive years of student growth, Dixie State University welcomed its largest-ever student body this year.
According to official enrollment numbers released by the Utah System of Higher Education today, Dixie State’s fall 2021 student population consists of 12,266 individuals, an increase of 1.85 percent from last year’s total headcount. Demonstrating the longevity and sustainability of the university’s growth, Dixie State’s third-week fall enrollment has increased by 44.25 percent since the Fall 2015 semester, when the institution welcomed 8,503 students to campus.
“We are thrilled that more students than ever before are recognizing the value a Dixie State University education offers,” DSU President Richard “Biff” Williams said. “Dixie State has been working hard to develop a high-quality comprehensive polytechnic educational experience that prepares our students to graduate career ready.”
The university’s total headcount includes 3,283 new students such as freshmen, transfer students and new graduate students. Women are leading the way, with 58 percent of the entire student population comprised of females. Additionally, 81 percent of the student body are Utah residents and 21 percent come from diverse populations.
Dixie State’s increase in students has been accompanied by growth in academic programs, facilities and active learning experiences. The recent growth has been guided by Trailblazing Distinction, the 2020-2025 strategic plan that outlines the institution’s mission to be the only open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university in the nation. This academic model offers students active learning opportunities, a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences and career preparation. In addition to offering degrees in a wide range of academic disciplines, Dixie State is building an intensive focus on STEM and healthcare fields. In the past five years, Dixie State has added more than 100 degree programs, and 85 percent of them have been in STEM disciplines.
To accommodate the growing campus, Dixie State added two new buildings this fall. The Science, Engineering & Technology Building houses 28 specialized labs and classrooms that make it possible for students to participate in hands-on learning opportunities in the STEM fields. Across campus, Campus View Suites II opened its doors to 534 students, allowing them to live seconds away from classes and campus resources.
In line with this mission, the university also has added more real-world work experiences for students through internships, co-operative educational experiences, career curriculum and career coaching. To help students not only graduate career ready, but also get industry experience while they’re earning their bachelor’s degree, Dixie State is building a Four in Four initiative, which makes it possible for students to graduate with two certificates and associate and bachelor’s degrees in four years.
For the public colleges and universities as a whole throughout Utah, USHE reported a total fall semester headcount of 211,954 students, a 2.24 percent increase over 2020. To review USHE’s fall 2020 enrollment data, visit ushe.edu/institutional-data-resources-headcount.