New University data shows first-year student enrollment slowed compared to last year, while the number of graduate students declined.

Following record-breaking first-year enrollment last year, Pitt’s first-year enrollment returned to average numbers this year, which Pitt says was an intentional choice. On the other hand, graduate student enrollment decreased by 272 students — the first decrease recorded since 2021.

According to data provided by a University spokesperson, last year’s first-year enrollment was 5,861 students, while this year’s is 4,726 students. However, this year’s first-year enrollment is still higher than in years prior to 2025.

Pittsburgh Campus first-year undergraduate enrollment

Fall 2022
Fall 2023
Fall 2024
Fall 2025
Fall 2026

4,390
4,549
4,579
5,861
4,726

Data provided by University spokesperson 

A University spokesperson explained that the fall 2026 class reflects an intentional decision to enroll a smaller first-year class following an “exceptionally large incoming class” in fall 2025. 

The sky-high enrollment from last fall was in line with Pitt’s plan to enroll 22,000 undergraduates by 2028. Last year, some first-year students were housed in a hotel and a fraternity complex due to the major increase in enrollment, with many of those students frustrated by their living situations.

The Pitt spokesperson said the University remains on track to reach its goal of enrolling 22,000 students by 2028, and that it is “pursuing measured, sustainable growth that keeps the student experience at the center, from housing and class availability to advising and student support services.” 

Sofia Macias, a senior nursing major, recalled talking with her friends about students being placed in hotels, and her memories of the Hillman Library being overcrowded last year. 

“I spent the majority of my time in Hillman and even when they opened the ground floor, we had such a hard time finding places to sit,” Macias said.

Niveta Bharath, a senior public health major, said she hasn’t noticed much of a difference with less first-year enrollment this year, observing that the Hillman Library is “always crowded anyway.” However, she recalled her friend’s experience staying in a hotel last year. 

“He said that it was very far and inconvenient for him,” Bharath said. “It made no sense to over-enroll students and put them into hotels.”
While Pitt’s undergraduate student body continues to grow, graduate student enrollment decreased by about 2.8%, decreasing by 272 students. Research doctoral and masters students together accounted for 248 students of the decrease.

Graduate student enrollment (not including graduate certificate/microcredential and non-degree seeking students)

Fall 2022
Fall 2023
Fall 2024
Fall 2025
Fall 2026

Doctorate-research
2,695
2,720
2,833
2,745
2,619

Doctorate-professional
2,577
2,698
2,708
2,791
2,773

Masters
3,624
3,502
3,604
3,943
3,821

Total
9,250
9,268
9,509
9,849
9,577

Data sourced from Pitt’s annual student censuses

Research doctoral enrollment has been on the decline since 2024, previously declining by 88 students from 2024 to 2025, while professional doctorate enrollment only decreased by 18 students. 

The University spokesperson said over the past 10 years, research doctoral enrollment has fluctuated above and below the current enrollment, adding that the causes of year-to-year fluctuation are complex and “rarely the result of one factor.”

The spokesperson also said slight changes in master’s enrollment are expected and that it fluctuates in response to workforce needs.

“The University is responding to the needs of today’s master’s and professional students, many of whom are working adult learners, by offering more online and hybrid programs that lead to professional advancement and specialized careers,” the spokesperson said.