Henderson sees growth in freshman, sophomore, and transfer student enrollment for Spring 2025
New transfer student numbers best in five years
Henderson State University has announced growth in freshman, sophomore, and transfer student enrollment for Spring 2025. Overall enrollment decreased 3 percent with 1,820 students in Spring 2025 compared with 1,879 students in Spring 2024.
Preliminary 11th-day reporting shows a 28 percent jump in freshmen with 335 in Spring 2025 compared with 262 in Spring 2024. The sophomore class grew by 3 percent with 256 students versus 248 students year-over-year.
Transfer enrollment has reached a five-year high point with 66 transfer students enrolled for Spring 2025. This reflects a 43 percent increase year-over-year and tops a high of 64 transfer students enrolled in Spring 2023.
“We are excited by the growth in our freshman, sophomore, and transfer enrollment. Students and parents are responding to the personal outreach of our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends here at the School with a Heart,” Chancellor Trey Berry said.
“Our mission is to connect Henderson graduates with careers in high-demand fields that drive community and economic development,” Berry said. “We are specifically seeing growth in business, health sciences, aviation, and nursing. Prospective students also are indicating interest in digital media and criminal justice, which are growing as well.”
Retention from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025 improved for first-time freshmen and sophomores compared with a year ago. First-time freshmen retention increased from 72 percent to 80 percent, while sophomore retention nudged from 87 percent to 89 percent. Overall retention decreased to 78 percent from 83 percent year-over-year primarily due to a 13 percent decrease in graduate school enrollment, which is attributed to the end of a grant program.
“We credit a greater emphasis on student-focused advising to the improvement in retention of first-time freshmen and sophomores,” Dr. Celya Taylor, Interim Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, said.
“The introduction of the Caddo Center as a one-stop for student services, the Reddie Outreach Center with its food pantry and clothes closet — as well as increased opportunities to engage in student activities — have all combined to build a stronger support network for students. We believe these resources will continue to make a difference in retention in the years to come.”
Housing also grew by 4 percent with 789 students living on campus during Spring 2025 compared with 759 in Spring 2024.
“We are optimistic about the future at Henderson and invite prospective students and their families to come experience the Reddie Spirit. We think you’ll be surprised by what you find!” Berry said.
Preliminary admissions reports currently show increases of 46 percent in applications and 59 percent in admits for Fall 2025.
Reddie Rumble, Henderson’s preview day, offers prospective students a chance to learn about the admission and enrollment process, gather information about scholarships/other campus resources, and experience what it is like to be a Reddie. Please visit hsu.edu/campusvisit or contact admissions@hsu.edu for a schedule of spring events!