CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Positive enrollment numbers once again this year for the University of Charleston.
UC reported that its enrollment is holding steady at around 3,000 students for the third consecutive year. That enrollment number includes the campuses in Charleston and Beckley, along with UC online students.
The university noted that undergraduate enrollment at the Charleston campus continues to grow, with a five-year high this fall of 823 students. Of those 823 students, 723 are living in residence halls, which is the highest number in a decade.
Last year, UC reached its highest enrollment since 1969. This year, UC received the Best College in West Virginia honor from Niche for the second time in a row. The school also earned a Top Yellow Ribbon School designation from the U.S. Veterans Magazine for its work with military and veteran students.
Marty Roth
“UC is as strong as ever,” University of Charleston President Marty Roth said. “Our enrollment remains near historic levels. We have more students living on campus, and we continue to see high demand across our academic offerings in Charleston, Beckley and online. That strength comes from our focus on delivering a career-relevant education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed in the real world.”
UC’s newest healthcare graduate programs continue to see more enrollment as well, with a combined 144 students enrolled in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing anesthesia programs. That’s an increase of 106 percent from 2025-26 and the best enrollment tally since the programs began.
Mindy Smith
“The growth we’re seeing in our healthcare programs reflects both the demand for highly skilled professionals and the kind of education students are looking for,” UC Dean of Health Sciences Mindy Smith said. “They want hands-on experience, faculty who know and support them, and a clear path from the classroom to a meaningful career. We’ve been intentional about building programs that deliver on those expectations while preparing graduates to meet critical healthcare needs in West Virginia and beyond.”
Roth said UC is going to continue to grow.
“These results tell us we are moving in the right direction, but we are not standing still,” Roth said. “We will continue investing in our students and creating new opportunities that position UC for an even stronger future.”
Photo/UC
