VeloCity December 2024

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

OKLAHOMA HIGHER EDUCATION ENROLLMENT ENJOYS 4TH HIGHEST INCREASE IN THE NATION Fall 2024 Enrollment Changes by State: Undergraduate Students

Source: The Oklahoman: Oklahoma Bucking national trends as more freshman enroll in public colleges, universities; National Student Clearinghouse Research Center; Note: Data for all states is not available

• Fall 2024 enrollment in Oklahoma’s public higher education system increased, reaching 169,004 students—a 5.7% increase over prior year (4th highest increase in the nation). • While 18-year-old freshman enrollment declined by 5.0% nationally in fall 2024, Oklahoma was one of only five states to avoid this drop.

• A significant contributor to this growth is the concurrent enrollment program, which saw a 10% rise, nearly 17,000 high school students. This program not only boosts university enrollment but also reduces higher education costs for Oklahoma families.

Why is this important? Higher education enrollment is a key indicator of workforce development. Growth in programs like concurrent enrollment prepares a skilled pipeline of graduates, which is essential for attracting and retaining businesses in the region.

For comprehensive Economic Indicator and Regional Data, please visit your Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Economic Development Division at www.greateroklahomacity.com/economicindicators or contact Eric Long, Research Economist, at 405-297-8976; elong@okcchamber.com.

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