KU Edwards Campus spring enrollment highest in 12 years, sees largest growth in undergraduate programs


According to official Spring 2020 enrollment data, student credit hours for KU Edwards Campus-administered programs are up 4.9% compared to Spring 2019, with the largest increase coming from undergraduate programs.

KU Edwards Campus spring enrollment highest in 12 years, sees largest growth in undergraduate programs

Enrollment continues to climb at the KU Edwards Campus (KUEC). More than 2,000 students enrolled in a total of 12,756 credit hours in programs administered by KUEC for the Spring 2020 semester, making it the highest spring enrollment at KUEC in 12 years and a 4.9% increase from Spring 2019. This is a continuing trend as Spring 2019 was a 5.3% increase from Spring 2018, which was up 10.4% from the year before.

All students enrolled at KUEC come with previous college credit, ready to complete their junior and senior years – many coming from KUEC’s community college partners Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College and Metropolitan Community College – or to pursue graduate programs. Undergraduate programs comprised the largest enrollment growth in Spring 2020.

“We provide clear pathways and dedicated support to students from area high schools and community colleges to complete their bachelor’s degree from KU,” said Shannon Portillo, KUEC’s assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs. “As we continue to enhance these education pathways through transfer student scholarships, academic coaching, career advising, networking and more, we promote social mobility for our students by making a bachelor’s degree more affordable, convenient and accessible while connecting the educational experience with career opportunities.”

Undergraduate programs, which saw the largest growth in Spring 2020 compared to Spring 2019, include the following:

*Supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle

Spring 2020 enrollment saw continued growth in science, business and technology programs supported the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT), which increased in student credit hours by 10.6% year over year.

KUEC keeps a finger on the pulse of workforce needs in the region and beyond as it launches new programs offering in-demand skills, equipping employers with highly trained talent. New undergraduate programs this year include American Sign Language & Deaf studies as well as environmental studies as a response to regional and national demand.

Graduate programs also experienced a significant uptick. Those with the largest student credit hour increases include:

*Supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle

“We offer accessible, relevant and convenient educational programs for working adult students, whether they are coming back to college to earn an advanced degree or transferring from a community college,” said David Cook, vice chancellor of KUEC. “Our transfer communities, new program launches, online offerings, on-campus support and more ensure we continue to make the KU Edwards Campus the premier destination for further education and career advancement.” 

cover of the Alumni Survey results

Get Insights from KU Graduates

Download this report filled with statistical and qualitative feedback from more than 500 alumni to help you decide if the KU Edwards Campus is right for you.

Cover to the Tips for a Successful Start PDF

Get started at the KU Edwards Campus

Download your guide for a successful start on your KU Edwards Campus undergraduate or graduate program, including information on financial aid, academic advising and more.

alumni report

Maximize Your Financial Aid

Download your guide for making the most of financial aid at KU Edwards Campus.

Cover to the The Adult Learner's Guide PDF

An Adult Learner’s Guide to Choosing the Right KC University

Helpful tips to choosing the right university in Kansas City.

Cover to the The Adult Learner's Guide PDF

Putting off your academic pursuits?

Download our eBook that addresses and debunks 7 of the biggest concerns adult learners have about returning to school.

Cover to the The Online Learner's guide

Find the right online program for you

Download your guide for tips and questions to ask when researching online learning options.