FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama has achieved yet another milestone – this  time in the number of students graduating from the institution.

According to data compiled by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, UNA has experienced one of the most dramatic increases in the number of graduates among all universities in the state.

UNA’s total number of graduates soared from 1,269 in 2015 to 2,227 in 2024 – a 75% increase over the 10-year period.  

The increase is significant for the state and region, given that most of UNA’s graduates are from Alabama and remain in state to forge careers, the university said.

Moreover, the university emphasizes workforce development as a centerpiece of its educational mission. Graduates leave UNA with job-ready skills and are able to make an immediate contribution to the area’s economic development and to the quality of life across the state. 

“The fact that we have almost doubled the number of graduates we are producing reflects our growing enrollment as well as our academic quality and record high retention rate,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Our students enjoy the campus experience and are motivated to complete their degrees and engage in experiential learning opportunities.

“We strive to ensure they are prepared for success, and keeping them on track for graduation is one of the many ways UNA achieves that.” 

Recently, UNA was named to the highest tier of Opportunity Colleges and Universities by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This tier recognizes UNA’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and the upward mobility and high earnings of its graduates, the university said. 

“The Carnegie designation and UNA’s most recent graduation rates go hand-in-hand,” said  UNA Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Brien Smith. “Our students are better for having had the collegiate experience at UNA, and they are reaping the  rewards of their academic success.”