Huntsville, AL, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) welcomed a record 1,220 new freshmen this fall, showcasing continued growth in enrollment driven by high academic standards. The incoming class boasts an average ACT score of 27 and an average GPA of 3.97, reflecting an increase from the previous year. UAH President Dr. Chuck Karr attributes this success to the university’s dedicated faculty and strong academic programs, alongside a significant rise in out-of-state enrollment, particularly from Tennessee.
Huntsville Welcomes Largest Freshman Class at UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has welcomed 1,220 new freshmen for the fall semester, marking a continuation of the university’s trend of increasing first-year enrollment. This incoming class is distinguished by strong academic credentials, boasting an average ACT score of 27 and an average GPA of 3.97, which reflects a nearly 2% increase from the previous year.
Dr. Chuck Karr, UAH President, expressed pride in the steady interest and rising academic strength among new students. The growth in enrollment is attributed to UAH’s dedicated faculty, high-quality educational programs, and an increasing reputation for providing a world-class education.
Growing Out-of-State Enrollment
Notably, out-of-state enrollment has seen significant growth, particularly from Tennessee. This increase has been driven by the Tennessee Resident Scholarship Program, which offers in-state tuition rates to qualifying students. The enrollment of Tennessee freshmen increased by 9.8% compared to the previous year, while overall out-of-state first-time undergraduate enrollment rose by 6%.
Stable Overall Enrollment Figures
Despite this growth in new freshmen, the total undergraduate enrollment at UAH remains steady at 6,743. Additionally, graduate enrollment has reached 1,619, with a 7% increase in new master’s students, primarily from the fields of business, engineering, and nursing.
National Recognition for Research Funding
UAH continues to hold a strong national position for federal research funding in various fields, including aerospace engineering, computer science, atmospheric science, and astronomy. This emphasis on research contributes to the university’s academic appeal and credibility.
Future Prospects and Recruitment Events
Applications for Fall 2026 are currently open, and UAH is actively hosting campus events and receptions aimed at prospective students. The Tennessee Resident Scholarship program, which offers four-year tuition assistance based on full-time student status and academic progress, is one of the key initiatives encouraging enrollment growth.
In light of these developments, UAH has implemented outreach initiatives designed to target local students. The goal of these programs is to retain local talent, keeping students in the area and promoting workforce participation. Since the start of the 2021 pilot program for Tennessee Resident Scholarships, UAH has experienced a 9% increase in the number of first-time Tennessee students enrolling from Fall 2020 to Fall 2023.
Conclusion
As UAH continues to enhance its academic offerings and attract a diverse student body, the growing enrollment numbers reflect the university’s commitment to providing an enriching educational environment and its strategic initiatives aimed at fostering local and regional academic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many new freshmen has UAH welcomed this fall?
UAH has welcomed 1,220 new freshmen for the fall semester.
2. What are the average academic credentials of the incoming class?
The incoming class has an average ACT score of 27 and an average GPA of 3.97.
3. What growth has been observed in out-of-state freshman enrollment?
Out-of-state enrollment has grown, particularly from Tennessee, with a 9.8% increase in Tennessee freshmen over the previous year.
4. What is the current total undergraduate enrollment at UAH?
The total undergraduate enrollment at UAH remains steady at 6,743.
5. How has graduate enrollment changed?
Graduate enrollment has reached 1,619, with a 7% increase in new master’s students.
6. What is the Tennessee Resident Scholarship Program?
The Tennessee Resident Scholarship Program offers four-year tuition assistance based on full-time student status and academic progress for incoming freshmen.
Key Features of UAH Enrollment
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| New Freshmen | 1,220 |
| Average ACT Score | 27 |
| Average GPA | 3.97 |
| Tennessee Freshmen Enrollment Increase | 9.8% |
| Overall Out-of-State Enrollment Increase | 6% |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 6,743 |
| Graduate Enrollment | 1,619 |
| Increase in New Master’s Students | 7% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Alabama Achieves Record Enrollment
University of Alabama Sees Surge in Out-of-State Enrollment
University of Alabama Sets Record Enrollment
University of Alabama Achieves Record Enrollment
Huntsville Celebrates Record Freshman Enrollment at Alabama A&M University
Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now: UAH Freshman Class Enrollment Growth
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama in Huntsville
- WAFF: UAH Sees Higher Enrollment in Postgraduate Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Huntsville Business Journal: Tennessee Resident Scholarships
- Google News: UAH Enrollment

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


