TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Wildcats are back on campus at the University of Arizona, where thousands of students kicked off a new school year Monday.
According to fall 2025 census data from the university, total enrollment stood at 54,384 students, including 43,294 undergraduates and 11,090 graduate students. The first-year class included 7,506 students, returning to traditional enrollment levels after record cohorts between 2022 and 2024.
More U of A data shows Arizona residents made up 62.5% of the first-year class, up from 52.7% in 2024. Official enrollment figures for the current school year are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The new school year is also bringing new academic opportunities. The Public and Applied Humanities program added three new areas of emphasis: astrobiology, human-animal interaction and entrepreneurship.
Matt Mars, professor and head of Public and Applied Humanities in the College of Humanities at the U of A, said the energy of the first day is something he looks forward to every year.
"The first day of class is—what a great time of the year. This is such a delight to see students back on campus, to feel it lively. I've already had class today. It's re-energizing," Mars said.
Mars said the program's growth stands out nationally.
"Our College of Humanities is not only holding strong, it's growing at a time when most are not," Mars said.
The start of the school year also comes as several campus dormitories have been taken offline. The university addressed the closures in a statement.
It’s a common practice to take select dorms offline for maintenance, and it was also done last year. At the same time, we are building new campus housing as we implement our expectation that first-year students live on campus.
For students on the other end of their college experience, the first day of the semester carries a different kind of weight. Patrick and Marco, both seniors at the U of A, reflected on their time as Wildcats and offered advice to the newest members of the community.
"I mean, it's been a great experience. It's sad to see this is our last year. It's been a dream being here. I've been having so much fun, so many great memories, meeting all sorts of great people," Marco said.
The two seniors had a simple message for incoming freshmen.
"I think just have an open mind, try new things, get outside of your comfort zone, and everything will just work out," Patrick said.
"Yeah, I mean, do as much as you can. Senior year comes quick," Marco said.
Gianna, a psychology major also beginning her senior year, said the milestone feels surreal.
"Be present. Like, truly be present. Like, do not think so much about your future and do not dwell in your past. Like, truly just be present here," Gianna said.
Her message to freshmen: say yes to new experiences, meet new people, and take the time to find your community on campus.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
