California State University, Sacramento saw record spring enrollment of 30,164 students, exceeding California State University targets by 3.5% following expanded recruitment efforts at high schools and community colleges. Photo courtesy of California State University, Sacramento file/Andrea Price

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – California State University, Sacramento’s Spring enrollment this year was the largest in the university’s history, continuing to buck trends and exceeding the California State University’s enrollment goals for the campus.

The official Spring 2025 head count stands at 30,164. That’s 197 more students than last year, said Brian Henley, interim senior associate vice-president for Enrollment Management.

“That gives us a record number of students enrolled for a spring term in the history of the university,” Henley said.

The number exceeds by 3.5% the enrollment target for the academic year that the California State University set for Sac State.

Across the country, enrollment in both community colleges and four-year universities appears to be on the upswing after years of declines in the wake of COVID-19, national data suggests. Last fall, enrollment increased by a modest 0.4% above levels achieved prior to the pandemic, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

“One of the things that we are emphasizing is that we have great programs and services that can help all students be successful. We are here to meet their needs,” said Henley.

Even as other institutions saw post-pandemic declines, Sac State’s enrollment held steady. Henley said this spring’s enrollment bump is the result of hard work behind the scenes.

“We’re getting the message out about Sac State and that message is very positive,” said Henley.

Admissions staffers have been visiting high schools and community colleges, attending college fairs and messaging prospective students via text and email about Sac State’s attributes, said Henley.

“One of the things that we are emphasizing is that we have great programs and services that can help all students be successful,” Henley added. “We are here to meet their needs.”

Sac State’s tuition remains relatively low compared to other California universities, Henley pointed out, and financial aid is available to most students. The university boasts programs such as a food pantry and peer mentoring that can help clear obstacles to students’ academic goals.

“Across the board, we’re just doing a very good job of delivering our message and it’s making a difference,” Henley said.