The Adams State University undergraduate enrollment curve inches up for the third straight year. The institution continues to be the college of choice for more San Luis Valley students, with over 700 now enrolling in their hometown institution, an increase of more than 300 since 2022. Adams State remains on an upward track due to concentrated efforts and dedicated work.
Graduate enrollment increased 4.4% in both overall headcount and credit hours, continuing on the upward trend for the last three years. The Master in Arts in cultural resource management saw the largest percent of growth, with a year-over-year increase of 38.2% in students now pursuing the online degree.
“The news about enrollment, especially the increase in our Valley students, brings home the knowledge that Adams State continues to be a relevant and viable option for those seeking a degree in higher education,” said President David Tandberg, Ph.D. “The reward is worth the effort from our hardworking staff and faculty. It’s what I appreciate about this institution – we continue to go beyond expectations when it comes to our students.”
Concurrent enrollment continues to shoot up as high schoolers across the nation choose Adams State classes to jump start their college academics.
With 1,721 undergraduate students now attending Adams State, first-time enrollment is up 9.9 percent from 2025 (graduates of high school who enrolled as a degree seeking student for the first time). The fall-to-fall retention rate also increased by 4.5 percent, a tribute to a campus-wide commitment to students.
Adams State President Tandberg joins student life and admission teams on visits to Valley high schools sharing the benefits of attending college. The University also continues the Direct Admissions Program that guarantees automatic acceptance once an SLV student graduates from high school.
Adams State is fulfilling its mission to support first-generation and low-income students, and the percentage of students eligible for federal Pell grants as well as students who are the first in their family to attend college continues to see significant enrollment growth over the last three years.
Adams State works to make college a reality for all students by offering the Adams Promise, which guarantees no tuition and fees for qualifying students, and Financial Aid Fridays, in-person and online.
Adams State is the most affordable university in Colorado. Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management Mark Buck said: “We will always help students and their families walk through the financial process. We know funding one’s education can be confusing for students and parents. Our One-Stop Office is always available to simplify the financial aid process. That will continue to be a priority for us here at Adams State.”
