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Louisiana Tech celebrates fall enrollment, record undergraduates

September 29, 2026
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The Louisiana Tech Class of 2030 gather together in a large diamond formation in Centennial Plaza on campus.

Louisiana Tech University enrolled 11,898 students in the fall quarter. Within that total are 2,432 first-time freshmen, the largest domestic class and most academically prepared class in Tech’s history. The number of freshmen with a 30 or higher ACT score is up 22 percent.

Building on three consecutive record-breaking freshman classes and its UL System-leading retention rate, Tech also reached record-breaking undergraduate students (9,006) and overall main campus enrollment (9,897). 

“This class is filled with students prepared and excited to take on the rigor of Louisiana Tech while enjoying the campus life in one of the nation’s most idyllic college towns,” President Jim Henderson said. “We also celebrate our retention efforts that have resulted in the most revenue-producing students in our history. While many institutions in our state and country are seeing a downturn in on-campus students, we are excited to welcome more individuals than ever to the Tech family.”

Overall enrollment was affected by declines in two student populations. Amid national challenges related to international student visas, Tech enrolled 111 fewer international students. Dual enrollment students dropped by 379, primarily due to instructor turnover and transitions among partner schools

Specific program growth reflects increasing student interest in programs aligned with Louisiana’s expanding economy. Construction engineering technology is the fastest growing program at a 25 percent year-over-year increase. Education, nursing, electrical engineering, and accounting also experienced double-digit percentage growth.

“Our students are preparing to contribute to the state’s rapidly growing economy in places like the Meta data center in Rayville, SpaceX launch site in Vermilion Parish, and Radiance Technologies microchip facility in Ruston,” Henderson said. “With our graduates earning the state’s highest early-career salaries, they will also be serving in healthcare facilities, schools, and businesses throughout the state and beyond.”

The University has prioritized growth by emphasizing its distinguishing characteristic: tailored, student-focused learning experiences in more than 135 degree programs aligned with 21st century challenges and opportunities.  Louisiana Tech’s investment in modern facilities, leading-edge research, and personalized student services also contribute to its rising enrollment.

“Our team works year-round across the state and region, as well as internationally, to make individuals aware of all that Louisiana Tech has to offer,” Senior VP for Student Advancement and COO Dickie Crawford said. “With an emphasis on individual outcomes, we anticipate our newest Bulldogs will enjoy the same life and career success as the more than 119,000 before them.”

Nearly 90 percent of Louisiana Tech’s enrollment consists of Louisiana residents, with 63 of 64 parishes represented.

Largest Program Growth

Rank

Program

1

Construction Engineering Technology

2

Nursing

3

Kinesiology and Health Sciences

4

Electrical Engineering

5

Accounting

6

Business Administration

7

Early Childhood Education

8

Finance

9

Elementary Education

10

Psychology