ADA, Okla. – A preliminary report by the East Central University Office of Institutional Research is showing strong enrollment growth for Fall 2026, with student registrations exceeding Fall 2025 and Fall 2024 levels across undergraduate and graduate programs.

At Week nine of the Fall 2026 enrollment cycle, ECU’s total enrollment stands at a 10.38% increase above last year at the same time.

Undergraduate enrollment continues to trend upward with a 7.54% gain while graduate enrollment is showing particularly strong growth with a 28.10% increase.

The preliminary figures reflect enrollment activity through the ninth week of the Fall 2026 registration cycle and provide an early indicator of student demand for ECU’s academic programs.

“We continue to be among the four-year universities with the highest enrollment growth in the state,” said ECU President Wendell Godwin. “Last year, we led Oklahoma with a 9.3% increase in enrollment. The current growth pattern is bringing us closer to our goal of exceeding 4,000 students by the Fall 2030 semester, an objective outlined in our strategic plan.”

“Our focus on being the best residential campus in Oklahoma while also providing the best value is resonating with students and families,” Godwin continued. “We are proud to be ranked the #1 Best Value for Higher Education in Oklahoma by Research.com. Having approximately 1,000 students living on campus helps ECU provide a more traditional college experience that a lot of families are seeking for their students, all while maintaining an affordable, high-quality education.”

As a public institution, ECU offers a wide range of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master’s and Doctoral degrees, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for professional success and lifelong learning.

With a 21-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students will receive personalized support in and out of the classroom. That sense of connection extends to campus life as well, where more than 35 active student organizations offer opportunities to get involved, build skills and form lasting friendships.

Currently, all undergraduate Oklahoma residents will receive a tuition scholarship for up to 8 semesters, ranging from $125-$1,000 per semester. Scholarship amounts will be communicated to students three days after being admitted.

You can explore campus through a virtual tour or schedule an in-person visit, ecok.edu/future-students/take-a-tour.php.

To learn more about the admissions process or to apply today, visit ecok.edu/admissions/index.php.

To contact the Office of Enrollment Management, email ecutiger@ecok.edu or call (580) 559-5628.

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