The University of Nebraska system saw a decline in overall enrollment, but an increase in freshmen for the 2026-27 academic year.
According to a release, overall enrollment across the system was down, from 49,638 in 2025 to 48,948 in 2026. That's a much larger decline than last year, which saw enrollment down about 100 students, when compared with 2024.
Some pathways for early graduation, a nationwide decrease in international students and lower birth rates contributed to the lower enrollment, according to the release.
The University of Nebraska system includes the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney and University of Nebraska Medical Center.
An Iowa Board of Regents spokesman said the fall semester totals at the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, and Iowa State University will be released on Thursday.
