Texas Tech University

Davis College Marks Semester with Solid Progress, More Grad Students

Norman Martin | October 17, 2025

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Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources welcomed 3,284 students this semester, according to figures released this month marking the 20th day of class (Sept. 25). The total includes 2,725 undergraduates and 559 graduate students.

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“Davis College continues a strong tradition of enrollment, with more graduate students enrolled than ever before, and more new, first-year students as well,” said Robert Cox, associate dean for academic and student programs. “Our commitment to student-centered teaching and learning is one of our most valued traditions, and we’re excited to welcome these new members of the Davis College community.”

The college’s enrollment has climbed steadily for more than a decade, rising from 1,785 in 2010 to this fall’s tally - an increase of nearly 1,500 students. Administrators credit the momentum to faculty, staff and the Dr. Bill Bennett Student Success Center, which has expanded opportunities and support services for students.

Davis College has also maintained strong academic outcomes. According to the latest Texas Tech Fact Book, the college reports a one-year retention rate of 84.6 percent and a graduation rate of 72.1 percent within six years. 

Student credit hours also continue to climb. For 2024–2025, the college recorded 67,942 credit hours, up from 66,585 the previous year. Graduate enrollment accounted for much of the increase, rising from 10,153 hours in 2023–2024 to 11,007 this year.

The 2025 Fall enrollment numbers for individual Davis College departments are: 

  • Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics: 581 (Undergrad: 500 / Grad: 81)
  • Department of Agricultural Education & Communications: 384 (Undergrad: 285 / Grad: 99)
  • Department of Animal & Food Sciences: 1,433 (Undergrad: 1,349 / Grad: 84)
  • Department of Landscape Architecture: 108 (Undergrad: 92 / Grad: 16)
  • Natural Resources Management: 381 (Undergrad: 325 / Grad: 56)
  • Department of Plant & Soil Science: 343 (Undergrad: 287 / Grad: 56)
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences: 36 (Grad: 36)

Meanwhile, the university as a whole, is celebrating a milestone this fall with its largest first-year class in school history and record-setting graduation rates. These achievements showcase the growing momentum of a university that continues to attract top students while ensuring they graduate at unprecedented levels.

Texas Tech announced on Thursday (Sept. 11) a 12th-class-day enrollment of 42,272 students, an increase of more than 1,200 from a year ago. A nearly 3 percent increase from last fall, it’s also the fourth consecutive year Texas Tech has seen a fall enrollment increase.

“As our enrollment grows, so do the opportunities and benefits to students who become Red Raiders,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “Our record first-year class, along with rising graduation rates, reflects the growing recognition of a Texas Tech education and the commitment of our faculty and staff to the success of our students.”

CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu

1017NM25 / PHOTO: KADYN COLLINS