UAH + AAMU both report growth in freshman classes

UAH signage — UAH is located in Madison County. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

Two of our local universities, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, have both reported growth in their respective freshman classes.

Learn more about each below! 👇

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UAH freshman class grows 4.6% for third straight year

Holmes Avenue Crosswalk — The crosswalk on Holmes Avenue is crossed thousands of times per day. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

For the third straight year, officials at the University of Alabama in Huntsville have reported growth in the freshman class.

This data comes straight from the University of Alabama in Huntsville 2026 Census, which also showed that this current freshman class (class of 2030) is one of the strongest academically in recent history. Students from 38 states are represented, with the average student ACT score landing at 27.

Overall, the freshman class grew 4.6% when compared to fall of 2025. There are 1,276 new freshmen for the fall 2026 semester, which brings the total undergraduate population to 6,831.

When you also factor in the graduate students (1,582), it brings the university’s total enrollment for Fall 2026 to 8,413.

“We’re pleased to welcome a strong incoming class to UAH this fall, with students bringing impressive academic credentials and experiences from across the country. These results reflect the quality of our academic programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff. We’re proud to welcome this class and look forward to what they will accomplish at UAH.”

_{Dr. Donald Leo, UAH president}

Also worth noting, freshman enrollment from students who live in the state increased 10%, while enrollment from Madison County students increased 15%.

AAMU welcomes 2,200 first-time freshmen

Alabama A&M President Daniel K. Wims announced a preliminary registration of 2,200 first-time freshmen for fall 2026, which is an increase from 2,157 in fall 2025.

This data comes from The HBCU Times, which also said 37 states and eight countries are represented in this freshmen class. Women make up 59% of the class, with ACT scores for all students averaging higher than 18.