Bluefield State University Announces Highest Fall Enrollment in a Decade
Bluefield State University announced today that its Fall 2025 enrollment has reached the highest level in ten years, continuing a trend of steady growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.
This fall, overall enrollment stands at 1,442 students, reflecting a nearly 10% increase compared to last year. The surge is especially pronounced among new students. First-time freshmen enrollment has jumped 43.57%, rising from 218 students in 2024 to 313 students in 2025.
“This is a milestone moment for Bluefield State. The momentum we are experiencing is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. Most importantly, it reflects the trust that students and families are placing in Bluefield State as a place where they can pursue opportunity and purpose.”
BSU President Dr. Darrin Martin
The university’s enrollment gains are the latest in a steady recovery since numbers dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic. BSU’s growth aligns with President Martin’s vision of expanding access, strengthening academic programs, and deepening the University’s connection to the region it serves.
“Students are choosing Bluefield State because they see the value of our STEM curriculum, built hand-in-hand with local industry partners,” Dr. Martin added. “Our graduates are entering the workforce with real-world experience and consistently achieving high placement rates. For many, Bluefield State is not just a path to a degree, it’s a direct path to a rewarding career.”
Vice President of Student Affairs Ron Shidemantle underscored the university’s growing reach. “Bluefield State is continuing to attract more and more students from across the region and country, and our team works hard to share the BSU story,” he said.
With these new enrollment milestones, Bluefield State is poised to continue its trajectory of growth while remaining focused on its mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to the students of southern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and beyond.
The university’s investments in new facilities and programs, such as the Medical Education Center, the revived Mining Engineering Technology program, and the MBA program, are expanding opportunities for students while addressing workforce needs across health care, engineering, and business.
