With a 2017 fall enrollment of 6,027, Eastern New Mexico University in Portales has recorded the highest enrollment in its 82-year history. Undergraduate student numbers total 4,599 and graduate enrollment is 1,428.  The 2016 fall enrollment was 6,014.

President J.S. Elwell said, "I was glad to see that we continued our 20-plus year trend of growing our enrollment. This year's record of 6,027 represents a modest increase of 13 students, but also continues to show why we are considered the best university in New Mexico for student success."

First-time freshmen increased 0.8 percent and graduate students grew by 0.5 percent. Retention of fall 2016 first-time, full-time freshmen was at 63 percent, improved from 59 percent retention of fall 2015 first-time, full-time freshmen.

Residence halls were full on the first day of classes, and the campus apartments were also fully occupied.

Elwell added, "I attribute our continued enrollment increases to caring faculty and staff and a family-like atmosphere on our campus.

"Over the past several years we have initiated a number of retention programs that have paid off. Our retention grew by more than 3.5 percent this year, and I am hopeful that the new Greyhound Connection program elicits similar increases next year.

"Simply put, more students are choosing ENMU for their education and more freshmen are finding success and continuing their education thanks to the efforts of our faculty and staff."

ENMU's enrollment in fall 2000 was 3,581 and has grown by 68 percent to the current 6,027. ENMU was identified as the 19th fastest growing public master's institution from 2005-2015 by the Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac.