ADA, Okla. – A preliminary Fall 2025 enrollment report from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) shows East Central University leading Oklahoma’s regional universities in enrollment growth.

ECU was recognized by OSRHE for a 9.3% increase in enrollment this semester, outpacing the statewide regional university growth rate of 1.2%.

ECU President Wendell Godwin attributed the enrollment growth to a combination of strategic academic expansion and campus-wide commitment to student success.

“This growth reflects several intentional efforts,” Godwin said. “First, we have added new academic programs in high-demand fields such as education, business and psychology that are attracting new students. Second, our recruitment and admissions team has implemented new technologies to enhance freshman recruitment, improve retention and better deploy scholarships. And finally, our entire campus community understands the role each person plays in helping students persist and succeed.”

Godwin also emphasized the impact of faculty-student relationships on retention and overall student experience, “The connections our professors build with students in the classroom are consistently highlighted in our end-of-semester surveys. This progress is truly a team effort across the University and the Ada community.”

ECU’s student body continues to grow in both size and diversity, representing students from 26 countries and 32 states. More than 80 percent of ECU students come from Oklahoma, while more than 13 percent identify as Native American or Alaska Native, reflecting the University’s strong and longstanding relationships with tribal nations across the region.

This fall, ECU served nearly 3,000 undergraduates and more than 600 graduate students. With demand on the rise, campus housing is currently at near-capacity.

As a public regional university, East Central University offers a broad range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional success and lifelong learning.

With a 21-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, ECU provides personalized support both inside and outside the classroom. That sense of connection extends beyond academics, with more than 35 active student organizations offering students opportunities to get involved, develop leadership skills, and build lasting relationships.

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