Dual credit and transfer students are driving an enrollment surge at Sul Ross State University’s Alpine campus this fall.

Total enrollment in Alpine is 1,934 compared to 1,481 in Fall 2023, an increase of over 30 percent, based on data that will be reported to legislators and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

This fall, there are 497 dual credit students enrolled at the Alpine campus, up from 369 students in the spring, and 58 in Fall 2023, an increase of nearly 764 percent since the university began engaging more public school districts – a strategy that continues to pay-off.

“Dual credit students are included in our formula funding from the State of Texas,” said President Carlos Hernandez. “That means they impact the funding we get from the State in a positive way, increasing operating budgets so we can recruit and retain residential students.”

Residential undergraduate student enrollment increased by 26 students (2.4%) across all levels, particularly amongst juniors and seniors, suggesting that deliberate retention efforts are having an impact. Transfer students increased to 146, up from 85 last fall.

The university’s residence halls are again filled to capacity. While several units are undergoing repairs and maintenance, students are temporarily tripled in some rooms.

Instructional sites in Eagle Pass, Del Rio and Uvalde saw a small decrease this fall, down 19 students or 3.5%.

Across all four campuses, total enrollment is 2,576, an increase of over 20 percent.

“While residential undergraduate enrollment growth isn’t as strong as we’d hoped, we will adjust our strategies and keep our foot on the gas. We are headed in the right direction and will continue to invest in market-driven degree programming and in retention activities to engage our students,” said President Hernandez.

For more information about SRSU, visit sulross.edu.