Fall 2024 sets enrollment record for SDSU Imperial Valley
The recently confirmed enrollment numbers come as the university continues to grow its degree offerings, research and student support services.
The beginning of the 2024-25 academic year marks a new record for SDSU Imperial Valley, with an estimated 1,232 students enrolled, according to the 2024 student census data.
The record-setting enrollment includes 96 first-year students, one of the largest cohorts to attend the university directly from high school.
“Our efforts to grow and break barriers are possible by the dedication of our staff and faculty, and community partners in different sectors,” said Guillermina Gina Nuñez-Mchiri, SDSU Imperial Valley dean. “We see such resilience and motivation in our students to push forward with their education, that in due time, it will benefit our entire community.”
This academic year, 472 new students — including first-year students, transfers and graduates — make it the largest incoming class in the past decade. Of the total students matriculated, 66% look to become the first in their families to graduate from a four-year university.
“SDSU Imperial Valley plays a vital role in Imperial County, which provides access to a college education for many first-generation students seeking to obtain their dream careers and support their families,” said Stefan Hyman, associate vice president of SDSU’s Enrollment Management.
Enhancing campus life and the student experience has been a top priority for SDSU Imperial Valley’s Division of Student Affairs. They have recently introduced an Intramural and Recreational Sports program, which combines both sports and esports activities. This and future student-focused programs aim to help students connect and network with each other.
In spring 2024, the Guardian Scholars program was extended to SDSU Imperial Valley to serve students who were previously part of the foster care system. The program works closely with Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program, Imperial County of Education and Imperial Valley College to support youth even before entering the university.
In addition to new student support services, the university’s Division of Academic Affairs began its new bachelor of science in public health program. In August, the university introduced a Chicano/a Studies minor program for undergraduate students.
The expansion of academic programs at SDSU Imperial Valley has benefited local students like Erika Velazquez, allowing her to pursue a graduate degree while staying connected to her community.
“I chose to attend SDSU Imperial Valley to connect with first-generation students whose goal is to make themselves and their families proud by continuing their education,” said Velazquez, a homeland security graduate student. “It has made a big impact on my own journey as well.”
In fall 2025, SDSU Imperial Valley will open its much anticipated Sciences and Engineering Laboratories in Brawley. The project is a result of $80 million in state funding from Gov. Gavin Newsom and university investments to expand sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) opportunities, tying into regional plans for major economic development for Lithium Valley.
The space is also designed with flexibility to support future programs and add instructional capacity to SDSU Imperial Valley.
“There will be new academic programs underway in the next few years,” said Salvador Espinosa, senior associate dean of SDSU Imperial Valley’s Academic Affairs. “As our university continues to grow, our goal is to expand and enhance our degrees so we can address the workforce needs of Imperial Valley.”
