ADA, Okla. – East Central University is celebrating a 9.2 percent increase in enrollment for Fall 2025, marking its third consecutive year of growth and the university’s largest student headcount since 2019. As of this fall, 3,618 students are enrolled at ECU, with student credit hours rising more than 10 percent compared to last year.

The ECU student body is increasingly diverse, representing 26 countries and 32 states. More than 80 percent of students call Oklahoma home, while over 13 percent identify as Native American or Alaska Native, continuing ECU’s strong connection to tribal nations across the region.

Enrollment growth is visible both in the classroom and on campus. ECU now serves nearly 3,000 undergraduates and more than 600 graduate students. With demand on the rise, all campus housing is at full capacity this fall.

In addition to welcoming more students, ECU continues to expand its academic offerings. The university recently launched its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education in Rural Education, alongside a new Master of Business Administration program—both designed to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s workforce and communities.

“We are excited about the enrollment growth over the past three years, especially in the number of new students who are on campus taking classes while living in Ada,” said ECU President Wendell Godwin. “We are working with our community to be Ada's University. The support from the City of Ada, Chickasaw Nation, and the local business community is helping us attract more students to ECU. Every year we are offering more restaurant options in the community and attractions for our students to enjoy.”

This fall, those options include the addition of Einstein Bros. Bagels and Moe’s Southwest Grill inside ECU’s University Center, creating new dining experiences for students and the broader Ada community.

With more than 65 degree programs, growing community partnerships, and a vibrant campus life, ECU is continuing to build momentum as Ada’s hometown university.

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