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Ohio University projects another year of strong enrollment

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Total fall enrollment numbers at Ohio University are trending higher than they were this time last year. 

The number is up 10% compared to last June. The university also saw a record number of applications, with 27,000 so far and counting. This is a 7% increase from 2023. 

Ohio University's total student enrollment up trending 10 percent higher than last June.
Total enrollment at Ohio University trends 10% higher than last June. [Ohio University]
The enrollment update was presented to the university’s board of trustees at its meeting this week in Dublin. 

Last year’s incoming freshman class was a record high, and a high percentage of those students are returning this fall. 

The trustees also got an update on the university’s finances. 

The budget projected a $5.6 million surplus for fiscal year ’24, which ends June 30. The university now expects to end the year at $2.5 million, or $3.1 million less than projected. Higher than expected expenses, such as compensation and debt service, helped contribute to the difference. 

The university is projecting a shortfall of $11.3 million in the coming fiscal year. This is a result of lower state funding, higher regular expenses and some one-time expenses. This will be more than offset by $20.9 million transferred from reserves, leaving the university with a $9.6 million surplus in fiscal year ’25. The surplus will be used for capital investments.

The trustees also voted to raise undergraduate tuition by 3% and room and board by 4.6%.  

 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the university’s budget projections for the coming fiscal year.