Coppin State Climbs in USM Rankings, Leads System in Enrollment Growth
Once the smallest university in the University System of Maryland, Coppin rises to ninth in enrollment as student headcount increases 72.8% across five fall enrollment cycles.
BALTIMORE – Coppin State University has climbed from the smallest university in the University System of Maryland (USM) to the ninth-largest by student enrollment, surpassing the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the University of Baltimore while recording the highest percentage enrollment growth among all 11 USM institutions for Fall 2026.
According to preliminary enrollment data presented to the USM Board of Regents Committee on Finance in October, Coppin's student headcount increased 30.1% to 3,631 students, adding 841 students over Fall 2025. By comparison, enrollment across the USM increased just 1.4%.
The latest figures mark a significant milestone in Coppin's institutional transformation. Since Fall 2021, Coppin has experienced a 72.8% increase in overall enrollment, growing from 2101 students in Fall 2021, to 3,631 in Fall 2026. The increase represents 1530 additional students and reflects the University's sustained growth and rising demand for the Coppin State experience.
Coppin now enrolls more students than the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the University of Baltimore. Coppin also recorded the second-largest numerical enrollment increase in the system, behind only the University of Maryland Global Campus, which primarily serves adult learners through online education.
"Our enrollment growth reflects the confidence students and families are placing in Coppin and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and amazing admissions team,” said President Anthony L. Jenkins. “We noted that we would become a university of choice, and we are doing just that.”
The enrollment milestone follows Coppin's announcement in August that it welcomed more than 1,500 new undergraduate students, the largest incoming class in University history. First-year enrollment increased 61% over Fall 2025, while transfer enrollment grew more than 13%. The University also experienced a 42% increase in new male undergraduate enrollment and received more than 24,000 applications for Fall 2026.
The sustained growth reflects a deliberate commitment to a stronger student-centered experience, strengthening academic excellence, and better data-informed enrollment strategies focused on expanding access. Coppin has expanded its recruitment efforts and academic and workforce partnerships while investing in programs and services designed to support students from enrollment through graduation.
Initiatives such as the Expand Eagle Nation Program, Eagle Achievement Center, and First-Year Experience provide students with more engaging academic advising, stronger mentoring, and personalized resources to strengthen retention, academic achievement, and degree completion.
The University is also investing in campus infrastructure to accommodate its growing student population. Thurgood Marshall Hall, a new 350-bed residence hall scheduled to open in January 2027, will expand residential opportunities and strengthen the campus experience.
As Baltimore's Hometown University, Coppin continues to demonstrate sustained enrollment momentum while expanding educational opportunities, strengthening workforce partnerships, and preparing students to contribute to Maryland's economy and global communities.
Source: University System of Maryland, October 2026 Enrollment Report. Fall 2026 figures are preliminary.
