UA Enrollment Drops 10% to 49,104 Students
The University of Arizona's fall 2026 census shows its first enrollment decline in a decade of growth at the state's three public universities.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in College Applications
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The University of Arizona counted 49,104 students this fall, down 5,280 from 54,384 in fall 2025, a 10% drop. The decline, driven mostly by undergraduates, is the first at Arizona's three public universities after a decade of growth.
Why it matters
The university says it is shifting to fewer students with higher expected net tuition revenue, prioritizing preparation, retention and graduation rates over volume. Falling nonresident and international demand has reduced revenue from out-of-state students who pay higher rates.
UA resident enrollment held steady at 28,127 students, while full-time tuition and fees on the main campus are $13,906 for Arizona residents and $43,068 for nonresidents. Undergraduate enrollment is about 15% below its 2024 peak, and the source does not specify how much of the overall drop each student group accounts for.
The players
University of Arizona
A public research university in Tucson, Arizona, and the state's largest by enrollment in the affected census.
Arizona Board of Regents
The governing body that oversees Arizona's three public universities and sets tuition policy for them.
Northern Arizona University
A public university in Flagstaff, Arizona, that also reported an enrollment decline this fall.
The details
UA's operating business model now focuses on fewer students with higher expected net tuition revenue per student. Nonresident enrollment fell over the past two years after peaking statewide in 2025, and enrollment from neighboring states paying reduced rates has also dropped.
Timeline
Fall 2025: UA enrollment stood at 54,384 students.
Past two years: UA nonresident enrollment declined.
October 30, 2026: UA annual financial report dated.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Board of Regents meeting on the enrollment drop.
Monday, November 9, 2026: Virtual tuition hearing, 1-2 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The fall 2026 decline ends a decade of enrollment growth across Arizona's three public universities, the first such drop in that period. Arizona State University grew slightly while Northern Arizona University's undergraduate enrollment fell 12%, showing the decline is not uniform across the state's campuses.
Arizona residents face tuition and fees of $13,906 at the main campus, and prospective students can weigh enrollment trends when comparing schools. Those who want to weigh in on tuition can submit comments before the November hearing.
The takeaway
Families weighing Arizona public universities should compare net costs and campus-specific trends rather than relying on enrollment size alone. Watch the Board of Regents tuition vote, since it could shift what students pay.
What happens next
The Arizona Board of Regents will hold a virtual tuition hearing on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m., and plans a tuition vote on November 19, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more on College Applications as students weigh their options across Arizona's public universities.
More information
Send tuition feedback to the Arizona Board of Regents tuition comment email ahead of the November hearing.
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