The University of Alabama in Huntsville welcomed 1,276 new freshmen this fall, marking the third straight year its first-year class has grown.
The incoming class includes students from 38 states and posted an average ACT score of 27 and an average high school GPA of 4.0, according to the university.
The growth was particularly strong among students from Alabama.
New freshman enrollment from within the state increased 10% from last year, while Madison County freshman enrollment rose 15%.
Overall, new first-year undergraduate enrollment was up 4.6%. New graduate enrollment increased 2.4%, marking the first increase in that category in four years.
UAH’s total enrollment now stands at 8,413 students, including 6,831 undergraduates and 1,582 graduate students.
That is up from 8,362 students last fall, a modest increase after five straight years of declining enrollment.
UAH reached 10,000 students in fall 2020. Enrollment then fell each year through 2025, when it dropped to 8,362.
“We’re pleased to welcome a strong incoming class to UAH this fall, with students bringing impressive academic credentials and experiences from across the country,” UAH President Donald Leo said. “These results reflect the quality of our academic programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff. We’re proud to welcome this class and look forward to what they will accomplish at UAH.”
The freshman numbers have been moving in the other direction.
UAH enrolled 1,220 freshmen in fall 2025, its second consecutive year of first-year growth even as the university’s overall enrollment continued to decline.
University officials have previously pointed to more personalized recruitment, stronger relationships with high school counselors, changes to scholarship strategies and improvements to the campus visit experience as part of the effort to bring in more students.
This year’s increase also comes as UAH works to attract more graduate students. New graduate enrollment had declined for four consecutive years before rising 2.4% this fall.
UAH offers programs in areas including engineering, science, business and nursing. Students can also take part in research and connect with Huntsville’s aerospace, technology and business industries.
Applications for fall 2027 are now open. Prospective students and families can find information about campus visits, admissions events and other opportunities through UAH’s admissions website.
Zachary Austin is a writer for 256 Today. You can contact him at [email protected].
Got a tip for OTR? Send your tip to [email protected] with related photo/video, your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
