Brigham Young University-Idaho recorded higher spring enrollment figures for the second year in a row, the Rexburg institution announced Thursday.
The university reported total spring enrollment of 17,326 students, representing a 1.6 percent increase compared to the previous spring semester. The growth comes as the private institution continues adapting to changing mission service patterns among its student body.
On-Campus Numbers Drive Growth
On-campus enrollment rose by 2.3 percent during the spring semester, while enrollment in online courses and internship programs saw a slight decline. University officials said the overall enrollment increase occurred even as more students are choosing to delay their college studies to serve religious missions.
The enrollment gains follow a policy change announced last fall by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns and operates the university. The church announced that women can now begin serving missions at age 18, matching the minimum age for male missionaries.
Student Demographics
The university released additional demographic information about its student population on Thursday. Campus-based enrollment includes 9,214 male students and 8,112 female students.
Approximately 24 percent of students attending classes on campus are married. About 14,800 BYU-Idaho students are currently living in Rexburg during the semester, contributing significantly to the city’s population and economy.
What Comes Next
The consecutive years of spring enrollment growth suggest the university has successfully managed the transition period following the mission age policy change. Fall enrollment figures, typically released later in the academic year, will indicate whether the upward trend continues as more students become eligible for earlier mission service.
The Rexburg campus remains one of the largest private universities in Idaho and a major economic driver for eastern Idaho communities. University officials have not announced enrollment targets for the upcoming academic year.