LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas State University and Henderson State University reported continued enrollment momentum with large gains in transfer students for the spring semester after strong growth in the fall.
A-State has record spring 2026 enrollment of 16,145 students, which is a 6.4% increase over last spring and the fifth consecutive record-breaking fall or spring semester for the university. A surge in transfer students at Henderson contributed to an overall 9% increase in enrollment with a total of 1,977 students for the spring.
Traditional, on-campus enrollment at A-State climbed to 8,141, an 8.4% increase from last year. Online enrollment reached a record 8,004 students, a 4.5% increase and the highest total for any semester at A-State. The university welcomed 521 transfer students, an increase of 199 over spring 2025.
“Five consecutive record-breaking semesters don’t happen by chance,” A-State Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields said. “They reflect intentional investments by dedicated faculty and staff in academics, affordability and student success, and the trust Arkansas and Mid-South families place in what we are building at A-State.”
The growth reflects continued demand for A-State academic programs aligned with workforce needs and student interests. Several programs posted notable increases this spring, including the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and certificate programs in software development and Swift coding.
A-State’s nursing programs continue to show strong growth, alongside increasing enrollment in animal science. The university expects that trend to accelerate as it prepares to open Arkansas’s first College of Veterinary Medicine this fall, pending successful accreditation.
Interest in Arkansas State continues to rise with applications for fall 2026 up 14.7% compared with last year.
At Henderson, the spring freshman class total climbed by 39% with 466 students compared with 335 in 2025. Transfer enrollment reached a six-year high point with 92 transfer students enrolled this spring, compared with 66 in 2025, reflecting a 39% increase.
“We are excited to celebrate a strong spring 2026 enrollment at Henderson,” said Henderson State Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry. “This growth reflects the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, the continued support of our alumni and friends, and the growing confidence students place in the quality and value of a Henderson education.
“We are especially encouraged by the 39% increase in our freshman class and a six-year high in transfer enrollment, also up more than 39%,” Berry added. “Together, these gains demonstrate positive momentum and a bright future for our Reddie community.”
Preliminary admissions reports show increases of 15% in applications and 40% in admissions for fall 2026.