Shippensburg University is pleased to announce an increase in enrollment for the fall 2025-2026 academic year. Increases in several key areas follow several years of strategic enrollment stabilization efforts at the institution.
Overall headcount increased by 2.6 percent and first-time in college enrollment increased by nearly one percent. The top areas for recruitment were Cumberland, Franklin and York counties.
Academic programs with increased enrollment include biology, computer engineering, criminal justice, electrical engineering, early childhood education, English, entrepreneurship, finance, health sciences, history, marketing and political science. Many of these programs align with areas of growth projected in Pennsylvania’s workforce.
The university saw positive trends in student retention as well with second-year retention remaining stable, third-year retention increasing by 2.3 percent and fourth-year retention increasing by 8.7 percent. Overall undergraduate retention increased 4.5 percent over last year.
Campus housing reported an increase in occupancy. Research shows that students living on campus report a greater sense of belonging and are more likely to persist in their academic journey, making this increase a significant indicator of positive enrollment trends.
Recruitment for the 2026-2027 academic year is well under way and trending in a positive direction with applications up 18 percent, and deposits up 52 percent from last year at this time.
“It is an exciting time at Shippensburg University as we see the proven and innovative recruitment and retention practices we have implemented continue to generate gains in enrollment. The value of a Ship education is clear, and we look forward to continuing to deliver a quality and affordable education for students for generations to come,” said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, president of Shippensburg University.
*The provided enrollment numbers are not considered final until verified by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.
