The university eclipsed 14,000 students for the first time in its 137-year history.

More students are experiencing the difference that becoming Lion Made makes than ever before, as East Texas A&M University posted its highest semester enrollment numbers of all time.

Following the first release of Fall 2026 enrollment data, ETAMU boasts a record 14,589 students, shattering the previous record of 13,464 set in Fall 2016 and representing a more than 8% increase. Compared to data from the same time frame in Fall 2025, graduate enrollment increased by more than 6% while undergraduate enrollment rose by more than 10%. In addition to growth among first-time students, ETAMU saw a greater than 10% increase in students transferring from other institutions to complete their bachelor's degrees.

East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin said the university's record enrollment reflects growing demand for an education that connects learning with the evolving workforce needs of rural and urban Northeast Texas.

“It's truly a special occasion in our university's storied history to have a record number of students joining the Lion Family,” Rudin said. “But our responsibility goes beyond enrolling students, and we will continue to prepare them with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed in their careers, contribute to their communities and become Lion Made.”

In addition to the increase in total enrollment, this year's incoming freshman class is better prepared to succeed in college than ever before. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen improved over last year's cohort–as did their class rankings–with stronger SAT scores than in recent years.

Enrollment in the university's ETAMU Forward competency-based degree programs increased by nearly 14% over last year, underscoring East Texas A&M's growing role in supporting Texas' significant population of adults with some college but no degree. These flexible programs help working adults convert prior learning and college experience into completed degrees, including paraprofessionals moving from two-year credentials to bachelor's degrees and first responders pursuing bachelor's and advanced degrees that help them move up in their professions and better serve the people of Texas.

“Our growth reflects something bigger than enrollment,” Rudin said. “East Texas A&M is helping create opportunity across this region by connecting students to education, employers and communities in ways that strengthen both our rural and urban economies. We are a university that helps people move forward while also helping the communities we serve grow stronger.”

Judy Sackfield, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs, said the record reflects the trust students and families place in East Texas A&M and the responsibility that comes with it.

“Record enrollment is a powerful reflection of the trust students and families place in East Texas A&M University,” Sackfield said. “Every number represents a student with goals, talents and a future they envision. Our job is to empower and support them along the way, giving them the opportunities, resources and confidence to achieve their goals.”

Lion Made is what happens when determination meets opportunity. It reflects the confidence, resilience and readiness East Texas A&M students build through an education designed to help them make an impact in their careers, communities and beyond.

Experience the Lion Made difference and apply today.