UT San Antonio is beginning the Fall 2026 semester with more than 44,000 students enrolled across its academic and health programs, marking another record for the university. The unprecedented growth underscores the university’s growing appeal as a destination for students seeking academic excellence, career preparation and opportunities to make an impact in key professional fields.

Preliminary data from the UT San Antonio Institutional Research and Analysis shows enrollment has increased 5% from Fall 2025.

“This growth reflects the trust students and families place in UT San Antonio and our commitment to creating opportunities that transform lives, strengthen communities and advance the future of Texas,” said President Taylor Eighmy. “As we develop the strategic plan that will guide our growth for the next decade, our focus remains unchanged: expanding opportunity while delivering an exceptional student experience that prepares graduates to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world.”

Destination for new students

UT San Antonio’s record enrollment is being driven in part by a strong incoming class of nearly 7,000 first-year students, reflecting growing demand for the university among students and families across Texas and beyond. Setting a university record, more than 54,000 students applied for admission to the university’s academic colleges this fall, and 55% of new first-year students ranked in the top quarter of their high school graduating class.

The university also continues to be a destination for transfer and graduate students, welcoming more than 3,000 new transfer students this fall. While undergraduate enrollment is up 6%, graduate enrollment also increased by 2%.

An engine for economic mobility

Nearly 2,100 of UT San Antonio’s new students are entering the university as part of Bold Promise, a tuition program that covers 100% of tuition and fees for high-achieving students from middle- and low-income Texas families. That marks a 7% increase over Fall 2025. Approximately 4,500 Roadrunners now are pursuing their educational and career goals through Bold Promise, including more than 165 students enrolled at the Health Science Center pursing healthcare careers, which is offering the program to qualifying students for the first time this fall.

UT San Antonio also continues to serve a strong population of first-generation students, with 50% of first-time undergraduates identifying as among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year university. Together, these students reflect the university’s growing role as an engine for economic mobility. In its 2026 Best Colleges rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked UT San Antonio among the top 10% of universities nationwide for social mobility and No. 5 among Texas universities.

This fall, the university has awarded $8 million more in financial aid compared to last year, supporting an additional 1,500 students.

Preparing the workforce of the future

UT San Antonio’s enrollment growth is especially strong in fields closely tied to regional and state workforce needs, reflecting the university’s broader commitment to preparing career-ready Roadrunners through experiential learning and programs aligned with high-demand industries.

That focus is reflected across the university’s academic colleges, nearly all of which experienced enrollment growth this year, with two colleges seeing double-digit increases: the College of Sciences (16%) and the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (13%).

The momentum also extends to the Downtown Campus — where more than 8,000 students are enrolled in programs that place them closer to San Antonio’s civic, business and cultural centers — further strengthening the university’s role in developing talent for the region’s workforce.

At the same time, UT San Antonio is expanding access through online programs, giving working adults and other students flexible pathways to earn credentials aligned with their professional goals. Enrollment in the university’s fully online programs is up 8% over last fall, with more than 1,300 students enrolled, 85% of which are undergraduates.

“Every student who chooses UT San Antonio brings talent, ambition and vision for their own future,” said Heather Shipley, provost and senior executive vice president for academic affairs. “Our growth reflects both the confidence students place in this university and the important role we play in helping them succeed. By expanding access to high-demand programs and connecting learning to real-world experience, we are preparing Roadrunners with the skills, confidence and purpose they need to shape what comes next for San Antonio, Texas and the industries driving our future.”