University of Kentucky celebrates record enrollment on first day of school

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — As the 2024-2025 school year kicks off, the University of Kentucky’s campus is filled with students both new and returning.

UK spokesperson Jay Blanton says the university is seeing record-breaking numbers this year.

“We’re expecting to welcome a record first-year class of about 6,500 students,” he said. “We expect to have a record enrollment over more than 35,500 students.”

All over campus, students feeling all different types of emotion to start the school year.

“It’s my last first day of undergrad, and I don’t know it’s kind of bittersweet, but I’m just trying to take each moment and kind of simmer in it,” senior Mya Barber said.

Blanton says the university holds all different types of opportunities for the students.

“We are one of eight institutions in the entire country that has the whole range of undergraduate, liberal arts, professional health programs on one contiguous campus,” he said.

He adds that all university staff and UK President Eli Capilouto are excited to prepare these students for a life of meaning and purpose.