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By: Stacey Walters | September 2, 2025
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) celebrates a record total enrollment of 2,118 students this fall semester, paired with an impressive 85.5% undergraduate retention rate. These milestones highlight the university’s continued growth and strong commitment to student success.
Nearly 425 new undergraduate students arrived on campus for move-in day, filling UPIKE’s residence halls to capacity. Together with returning students, they are now part of a vibrant campus community embarking on a new academic year.
“UPIKE is experiencing record growth. The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Kentucky College of Optometry are full, undergraduate enrollment is at an all-time high, retention has reached 85.5% — the highest in our history — and we are preparing to launch the application soon for the Tanner College of Dental Medicine,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Lori Werth, Ph.D. “These milestones reflect the confidence students place in UPIKE to prepare them for meaningful lives and careers.”
Alongside the new undergraduates, UPIKE also welcomed 135 new graduate students this semester. These students are enrolled in the university’s established graduate programs, as well as two newly launched offerings, the Master’s in Strategic Communication and the Master’s in Legal Studies. The addition of these programs reflects UPIKE’s commitment to expanding academic opportunities that meet the region’s student interests and workforce demand.
UPIKE’s success continues strengthening its role as an anchor institution for Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia. With new academic programs, expanding graduate offerings and an unwavering focus on student-centered education, the university is building on its mission of providing opportunities for students to achieve their personal and professional goals.
“We are incredibly proud of each of our admissions and enrollment specialists on campus. The admissions and student success offices have worked hard to improve new student enrollment and retention,” said President Burton Webb, Ph.D. “At the end of the day, every member of the UPIKE family plays an important role in setting an enrollment record like this one. Thank you to all students and parents who have trusted the University of Pikeville with their educational experience.”