Davis College’s record enrollment comes as Texas Tech also reaches an unprecedented level of growth. | Photo: Kadyn Collins
A decade and a half of steady growth has brought Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources to a new milestone: a record 3,494 students enrolled this fall. The college’s enrollment on the 20th day of the semester, Sept. 21, includes 2,884 undergraduate students and 650 graduate students, according to figures released last week.
'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 latest numbers continue a remarkable upward trend for Davis College. Since 2010, when the college enrolled 1,785 students, its student population has grown by 1,709 ; an increase that reflects both the breadth of its academic programs and continued efforts to strengthen the student experience.
“Davis College continues a strong tradition of enrollment, with more 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 enrollment milestone comes as Davis College continues to expand opportunities for students across agriculture, food production, natural resources, environmental stewardship, animal health, landscape architecture and related disciplines.
Davis College Associate Director for Student Success Maeley Stroupe pointed to the work of faculty and staff, as well as the Dr. Bill Bennett Student Success Center, as important parts of the college’s continued enrollment growth. The center has expanded academic and student-support opportunities designed to help students navigate their college experience and remain on a path toward graduation.
Growth in enrollment has also been accompanied by strong academic outcomes. According to the latest Texas Tech Fact Book, Davis College has a one-year retention rate of 86.9% and a six-year graduation rate of 73.2%.
Those measures provide an indication of how students are progressing through their programs as the college welcomes increasingly large entering classes.
The college’s record enrollment comes as Texas Tech also reaches an unprecedented level of growth. According to a Texas Tech online news release, fall 2026 enrollment officially reached 46,296 as of the 20th day of classes Monday , Sept. 21, establishing another enrollment record for the university.
The final figure represents an increase of 3,841 students from a year ago and marks the fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth at Texas Tech. Since 2024, the university’s student body has grown by 13%.
Texas Tech also welcomed a record 9,532 first-time-in-college students this fall. The population has increased by almost 40% (39.88%) since 2024, reflecting continued growth in the university’s incoming classes.
Growth extends across the university. Undergraduate enrollment has increased by 4,916 students, or 15%, since 2024, while graduate enrollment has grown by 411 students, or 5%, during the same period.
“Our faculty and staff provide an exceptional academic experience and a level of personal support that distinguishes Texas Tech,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec.
CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu
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