Lexington, Kentucky, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky has achieved a record fall enrollment of 38,719 students for the current academic year, reflecting significant growth from the previous year. The number of first-time, first-year students has also increased to 7,012, with 27% being first-generation college students. The university is expanding housing to accommodate its growing student body, which is now comprised of students from all counties in Kentucky and over 100 countries worldwide. This growth supports UK’s commitment to serving diverse educational needs and improving healthcare training across the state.
Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky (UK) has achieved a record fall enrollment of 38,719 students for the 2025 academic year, a significant increase from 35,951 students in the previous fall. UK President Eli Capilouto presented these numbers during a recent Board of Trustees meeting.
Among this year’s enrollment, the number of first-time, first-year students is reported to be 7,012, which is an increase from 6,513 last fall. For the first time, more than 4,000 of these first-year students are from Kentucky, marking a notable achievement for the institution. Additionally, nearly 1,900 incoming students, accounting for 27% of the class, are first-generation college students.
The university’s student body now reflects a diverse representation, with students coming from all 120 counties in Kentucky, all 50 U.S. states, and over 100 countries around the world. Approximately 8,100 students are currently residing on campus, which is an increase of over 270 from the prior year. To expand campus housing, a new residence hall is set to open next year, providing accommodation for an additional nearly 700 students.
UK is also seeing improvements in its graduation metrics, with a current graduation rate of nearly 72% for both five and six-year metrics. Initial estimates for the four-year graduation rate stand at approximately 60%, similar to the six-year rates recorded 15 years ago.
The enrollment in UK’s health care colleges has surged remarkably, with over 7,600 students enrolled in various health-related programs, addressing workforce shortages in Kentucky. Notably, enrollment in the College of Public Health has increased by more than 18% since last fall, aligning with UK’s strategy to enhance health care across the state.
Alongside growth in enrollment numbers, the university is committed to enhancing student support services, which include initiatives such as TRACS for mental health support, Financial Wellness programs, and Integrated Success Coaching. UK is dedicated to fostering a “culture of care” that enables faculty and staff to effectively support student success.
In conclusion, President Capilouto emphasized that this enrollment growth is crucial for fulfilling UK’s mission of effectively serving the state of Kentucky. The university seeks to continually improve its infrastructure and services to meet the diverse and evolving needs of its students while promoting a healthier Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the University of Kentucky achieve its record enrollment?
The University of Kentucky achieved a record enrollment of 38,719 students for the 2025 academic year.
How many first-time, first-year students enrolled in Fall 2025?
For Fall 2025, the University of Kentucky reported 7,012 first-time, first-year students, an increase from 6,513 the prior year.
What percentage of the incoming class are first-generation college students?
Approximately 27% of the incoming class, which amounts to nearly 1,900 students, are first-generation college students.
What initiatives does the University of Kentucky offer to support students?
The University of Kentucky offers various initiatives for student support, including TRACS for mental health, Financial Wellness programs, and Integrated Success Coaching.
Key Features of UK Enrollment Growth
| Feature | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 38,719 |
| First-Time, First-Year Students | 7,012 |
| First-Generation College Students | 1,900 (27%) |
| Students Residing on Campus | 8,100 |
| Health Care Program Enrollment | 7,600+ |
| College of Public Health Enrollment Increase | 18%+ |
| Five and Six-Year Graduation Rate | 72% |
| Four-Year Graduation Rate Estimate | 60% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky Colleges Achieve High Rankings in U.S. News Survey
University of Kentucky Breaks Enrollment Record
University of Kentucky Achieves Record Fall Enrollment
University of Kentucky Achieves Historic Enrollment Growth
Lexington Prepares for Public Input on Growth Management Plan
University of Kentucky Welcomes Record Freshman Class
Lexington Celebrates Local Hip Hop Culture with Annual Event
University of Kentucky Welcomes Record Freshmen Class
University of Kentucky Residence Halls Welcome Students
University of Kentucky Approves Historic Budget
Additional Resources
- Kentucky News Source
- WKU Herald
- Lex18 News
- Wikipedia: University of Kentucky
- Google Search: Kentucky enrollment 2025
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
