PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University (WSU) reported a 1.6% increase in new first-year students across its system for the third consecutive year, with numbers rising from 4,350 in fall 2024 to 4,420 in fall 2025.

Notably, WSU Tri-Cities experienced significant growth, with increases of 11.1%. Tri-Cities also recorded an 8.1% rise in overall headcount compared to last year, WSU said in a press release .

Provost Chris Riley-Tillman expressed optimism about the trend. “We have gained momentum among our incoming classes, with growth three years in a row,” he said. “This steady progress shows that we are firmly back on an upward trajectory.”

WSU said retention efforts are paying off. Between fall 2024 and 2025, new student retention increased from 78.8% to 80.5%.

Each WSU campus re

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