Strength in graduate student recruitment drives the largest, most accomplished class in university history.
Sparked by the largest and strongest incoming class in school history, Texas Tech University is once again a preferred destination for a record number of students. For the 13th consecutive year, the university has achieved record enrollment.
After surpassing 40,000 students in 2020, Texas Tech now boasts an enrollment of 40,666 as of the 20th day of class on Monday (Sept. 20). This continues to propel the university as one of the fastest-growing institutions of higher education in the U.S. in the last 10 years.
But what makes this enrollment special is the fact Texas Tech experienced a record enrollment of 6,677 first-year students and 6,917 graduate students. The new cohort of first year students is 2.5% larger than last year's class and is one of the most academically accomplished classes in Texas Tech history. Graduate enrollment is up more than 4%. Texas Tech also has continued to raise the academic profile of the student body, aided by ever-increasing awards of scholarship support.
“The demand for a degree from Texas Tech has never been greater,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president. “Our consistent growth and the quality and demographics of our student body, are testaments to the academic strength of our university, the success of our alumni and the power of the Texas Tech brand. We've always emphasized academic quality and access, and this year's class reflects both of those priorities.”
More than 24% of this year's incoming first-year students finished in the top 10% of their high school class, a 6% increase over 2020. The class also includes 34 National Merit Scholar Finalists and more than 3,500 Presidential Merit scholars, both numbers representing a two-fold increase over the last five years.
More than 3,000 new students are the first in their family to pursue a college education. The new class also includes nearly 2,000 Pell-eligible students. The significant increase in these student populations reflect the priorities of Texas Tech to support first-generation students while promoting greater social mobility.
“I'm proud of every member of our campus community who works hard to create an environment that is friendly and welcoming to new Red Raiders,” said Jamie Hansard, vice president for enrollment management. “Their tireless work to recruit students and support their success is evidenced by our continued success in enrollment, retention and graduation rates.”
