Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, has seen a nearly 5% increase in undergraduate enrollment for the fall, despite declining enrollment trends at other universities across the country. This increase comes after facing challenges due to a delayed rollout and errors in the federal government’s New Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). President David Tandberg attributed the university’s success to outreach efforts, including FAFSA completion webinars and the implementation of the ‘Adams Promise,’ which offers free tuition and fees to students from households making less than $75,000.
Another factor contributing to the enrollment increase is the university’s policy of automatically admitting students from the San Luis Valley and offering them the Adams Promise. This has helped overcome barriers for first-generation and low-income students who may not see themselves as college material. Adams State University serves a higher percentage of students from low-income families than any other university in Colorado and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with 47% of its student population identifying as Hispanic.
The university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds has been key to its enrollment success. By providing financial support, outreach efforts, and clear pathways to higher education, Adams State University has been able to maintain and increase enrollment numbers, creating opportunities for students who may have otherwise been excluded from pursuing a college education.
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