UAB anticipates largest freshman class in history for second consecutive year

More freshman students than ever have chosen to blaze a brighter future this fall by making the University of Alabama at Birmingham their home.

Preliminary enrollment figures indicate UAB is on track to welcome the largest freshman class in university history for fall 2026. While final enrollment data will not be available until the university’s official census later this semester, early estimates project approximately 2,600 first-year freshman students, which would be 3 percent higher than last year’s record-setting class. 

 

 

 

 

 

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“We are encouraged by the strong interest students continue to show in UAB,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “More students than ever are choosing UAB because of the exceptional academic opportunities, supportive campus environment and transformative experiences available both inside and outside the classroom. This continued growth reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and our commitment to helping students succeed and achieve their goals.”

The anticipated increase continues a trend of enrollment momentum at UAB and reflects growing interest in the university’s academic programs, student support resources, research opportunities and vibrant campus life. Growth over the past two years represents an increase of nearly 30 percent in freshman enrollment. Students are increasingly drawn to UAB’s combination of academic excellence, real-world learning experiences and a welcoming campus community located in the heart of Birmingham.

University leaders say the continued growth is also supported by efforts that emerged from UAB’s SUCCESS Initiative, which strengthened collaboration across academic affairs, enrollment management, student affairs and student support services to enhance the student experience from recruitment through graduation. Those efforts continue to shape initiatives that help students thrive academically, professionally and personally. 

“This anticipated growth reflects the confidence students and families have in UAB and the opportunities available here,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Janet Woodruff-Borden. “We remain focused on creating an environment where students feel supported, engaged and empowered to achieve their goals from the moment they enroll through graduation and beyond.”

Academic opportunities continue to expand

UAB’s Find Your Degree portal continues to help prospective students explore hundreds of academic pathways offered across the university’s schools and colleges, including undergraduate, graduate, online and certificate programs. The portal provides students and families with a streamlined way to discover programs aligned with their interests, career goals and educational aspirations. 

As student interests and workforce needs continue to evolve, UAB is expanding its portfolio of academic offerings to provide new opportunities for Blazers to build meaningful careers. Recent additions include:

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, which prepares students to help address critical workforce shortages in healthcare laboratories and diagnostic settings 
• Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, which can help qualified students fast-track their education by allowing them to start graduate work as an undergraduate student 
• Master of Science in Higher Education Intercollegiate Athletics Administration in the School of Education and Human Sciences, designed for students who are interested in becoming administrators in collegiate athletics, both sports and e-sports 

“There is something for everyone at UAB,” Woodruff-Borden said. “From undergraduate research and internships to innovative degree pathways aligned with workforce needs, UAB provides students with opportunities to maximize the value of their educational experience. No matter their interests, students can find opportunities to pursue their passions, develop in-demand skills and build a foundation for future success.”

A campus centered around student success and student life

Blazer Core Curriculum is UAB’s transformative general education program that has been designed to provide students with inspiring opportunities to understand and respond to the opportunities and challenges of today and the future. Students have the opportunity to integrate AI-based coursework into their curriculum and utilize the offerings of Birmingham through the City as Classroom curriculum.

Student life and extracurricular activities enrich the UAB experience. Bartow Arena is undergoing renovations that will be completed this fall, enhancing the venue that hosts many of our students’ most memorable traditions, from beginning their Blazer journey at Convocation to cheering on UAB Athletics and ultimately crossing the commencement stage to earn their degrees. The upgrades will also include a new courtside student seating area designed to create a more spirited home-court advantage and further strengthen the game-day experience for students and fans alike.