Bluefield State Posts One of West Virginia’s Strongest and Most Diversified Enrollment Gains

Bluefield State University significantly outpaced state and national enrollment trends this fall, posting one of the strongest and most diversified growth rates among West Virginia’s four-year public institutions, according to data released by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

The Fall 2025 enrollment report shows modest growth across West Virginia’s public four-year institutions, with total enrollment increasing 1.7% statewide and approximately 2% nationally. Bluefield State University significantly outpaced both trends, recording a 7.8% increase in overall headcount, from 1,313 students in Fall 2024 to 1,416 students in Fall 2025.

Bluefield State recorded the second highest overall headcount growth rate among four-year institutions statewide and led all institutions in two critical measures of enrollment strength. Full time equivalent enrollment increased 9.5%, from 1,070 to 1,172 students, signaling stronger academic engagement.

Incoming first-time freshman enrollment grew by 37%, from 219 to 300 students, marking one of the strongest new student classes in recent university history.

“These results reflect intentional work across our campus to expand access, strengthen academic programs, and support students from the moment they arrive,” said Bluefield State University President Dr. Darrin Martin. “What is especially encouraging is that this growth is not driven by a single factor. It is real, diversified, and positioned to be sustained.”

Additional data show enrollment gains across multiple student populations. Headcount excluding dual enrollment students increased 6.1%. Dual enrollment grew 17.8%, from 191 to 225 students, strengthening the university’s long term enrollment pipeline.

Out of state enrollment increased 16.1%, while international enrollment rose 16.7%, expanding Bluefield State’s reach and helping offset broader demographic declines within West Virginia.

Martin said the mix of growth indicators positions the university for long term stability and reinforces the value of continued public investment.

“Strong freshman growth builds multiyear enrollment strength, while Full Time Enrollment growth outpacing headcount tells us students are enrolling more fully and engaging more deeply in their coursework,” Martin said. “At the same time, out of state and international enrollment broaden our reach, and dual enrollment strengthens the pipeline without artificially inflating short term numbers.

Continued state investment in Bluefield State directly supports workforce retention, regional economic development, and access to higher education in an underserved area.”

University leaders emphasized that the growth reflected in the report is the result of deliberate strategy, including workforce aligned academic programs, strong dual enrollment partnerships, increased statewide visibility, and expanded market reach beyond traditional service areas.

As an institution that serves a high number of first-generation college students, Bluefield State University remains committed to its mission of providing an affordable and accessible public higher education for students across southern West Virginia and the region.

That mission aligns with the WV Climb initiative led by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, a statewide effort to increase the number of West Virginians who earn postsecondary degrees and credentials aligned with workforce needs. Through certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, Bluefield State is expanding pathways to completion while preparing graduates for meaningful careers that strengthen the state’s workforce and economic future.

Bluefield State University is a STEM focused public institution with campuses in Bluefield and Beckley, serving students across southern West Virginia and the region. The university was recently recognized by Research.com as one of the Best Value Colleges in West Virginia, reflecting a strong return on investment and a continued focus on affordability and student success.

The HEPC report notes that statewide enrollment has not yet returned to levels seen five years ago, but commission officials described the upward trend as encouraging during Friday’s presentation.

“At Bluefield State, growth is about more than headcount,” Martin said. “Our responsibility is to help students persist, complete their degrees, and graduate prepared to contribute to their communities and to the state of West Virginia.”

As West Virginia’s public institutions build on recent enrollment progress, Bluefield State University continues to play a critical role in advancing educational attainment and workforce readiness through sustained investment in students, academic excellence, and outcomes that strengthen communities.

“Guard The Hill means building momentum, not just preserving history,” Martin said. “At Bluefield State, that means preparing students to persist, complete their degrees, and graduate ready to contribute to their communities and to the state of West Virginia.”