YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University’s fall 2026 enrollment by headcount grew by three students compared with a year ago.
It marks the third year of enrollment growth by headcount and “a milestone not achieved in nearly two decades,” according to an email from a university spokeswoman.
This fall’s headcount is 12,423 students, compared with 12,420 last year and 12,164 in fall 2024. The latest number includes 9,649 undergraduates and 2,774 graduate students.
But the number of first-time undergraduate students fell from 1,826 last fall to 1,428 this fall, a difference of nearly 22%.
“Enrollment gains were driven by growth in continuing students, high school students and several degree pathways, including increases in graduate, doctoral and associate-degree enrollment,” Rebecca Rose, YSU spokeswoman, said in an email. “YSU also saw a 4.3% increase in in-state enrollment, while its new Steubenville campus welcomed 95 students, expanding the University’s reach and opportunities to serve the Jefferson County region.”
The full-time equivalent enrollment number, however, is down from last year at 8,985. It was 9,277 in fall 2025 and 9,106 in fall 2024. The FTE number calculates full- and part-time students into one number considering credit hours. Headcount is the number of students enrolled regardless of full- or part-time status.
Enrollment numbers are based on the 14th day of the fall semester.
The university reported 134,782 total credit hours this semester, down from 139,159 in fall 2025 and 136,592 in fall 2024.
The Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Science and Education saw the largest headcount gain this fall compared with fall 2025 with a nearly 11% increase. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math headcount saw a 12% percent decrease.
The number of international students this fall is also lower than the previous two years with 869. International enrollment was 1,251 in fall 2025 and 1,372 in fall 2024. University officials months ago predicted a lower number based on changes by the federal government regarding visa policies.
This fall, YSU opened its Steubenville campus in a former Eastern Gateway Community College building. Initially, the campus is offering associate degree programs, with plans to increase those offerings to include bachelor and graduate degree programs based on enrollment and demand. There are 95 students enrolled at YSU Steubenville this fall.
The number of associate degree students increased by nearly 15% this fall compared with fall 2025, with 1,035 students. That number was 903 last fall and 769 in fall 2024. The number of doctoral students also increased by 19.5%, from 446 last fall to 533 this fall.