With a 2018 fall enrollment of 6,015, Eastern New Mexico University in Portales has recorded the second highest enrollment in its 84-year history. Undergraduate student numbers rose to 4,706 (a new record) from 4,599 and graduate enrollment fell by 119 to 1,309 from 1,428 last fall. The 2017 fall enrollment was 6,027.

President Dr. Jeff Elwell said, "I am glad to see that we continued our 20-plus year trend of strong enrollment. This year's total of 6,015 represents a modest decrease of 12 students (-0.2 percent), but continues to show why we are considered the best University in New Mexico for student success."

Retention of fall 2017 first-time, full-time freshmen was at 62.4 percent, slightly down from last year's 63.1 percent but still significantly up from the 59 percent retention of fall 2015 first-time, full-time freshmen.

Dr. Elwell added, "I attribute our continued strong enrollment in comparison to the state-wide trend of declining student numbers to our caring faculty and staff and the family-like atmosphere on our campus."

"Simply put, students continue to choose ENMU for their education and more freshmen are finding success and continuing their education thanks to the efforts of our faculty and staff. In addition, the recent ranking by U.S. News and World Report as the 25th lowest student debt load at graduation in the nation (14th lowest among institutions in the West) for regional universities confirms our commitment to providing both a quality and affordable education."

The average composite ACT of the freshman class is up slightly to 19.9 from 19.8. The average ACT for New Mexico is 19.7.

ENMU's enrollment in fall 2000 was 3,581 and has grown by 68 percent to the current 6,015.