Texas Tech University 2024 enrollment, Honors College break records, again

Texas Tech is reporting another year of record enrollment, announcing on Monday the university topped more than 41,000 students for the first time in Tech's history.

Texas Tech had 41,045 students for the fall semester in its 12th day enrollment report released on Monday, which continues the growth from last year's 40,994, according to a news release from the university. The university attributed the growth in part to a recently launched $10,000 Degree-Completion Program, but also stressed gains in quality - from an increase in Honors College enrollment to an improving graduation rate in recent years.

"At Texas Tech, we continue to place students first and provide an educational experience that ensures they have the skills to succeed in the workplace and in their chosen careers," Tech President  Lawrence Schovanec said in the release. "We are also responding to the changing student demographics by strategically reaching a broader range of students, including non-traditional and transfer students, and those who left college without completing a degree."

This fall, more than 2,000 are part of the Honors College, which is a first for the program. The college's incoming cohort is up nearly 14% from last year's group, according to the university.

"Despite accepting fewer applicants, the Honors College opens its 25th anniversary celebration by welcoming our largest and most academically accomplished class," said Honors College Dean  Jill Hernandez . "We shifted our recruiting strategy to communicate the premier academic and career opportunities students can only receive at the Texas Tech Honors College. That message is landing."

Texas Tech also launched new undergraduate programs, and currently offers Industry Career Certificates for free to all undergraduate students.

The success in enrollment growth could be partially attributed to several initiatives, including the launch of the 10K Degree-Completion Program in the spring. This program offers students with at least 80 hours of college credit a way to complete their degree for at least $10,000.

During the last academic year, Tech also broke records by awarding 9,994 degrees and reaching 50% 4-year and 66% 6-year graduation rates. The 4-year graduation rate has increased 20% through the last 5 years.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech sets new enrollment record, sees growth in Honors College