Augusta University reported a year of growth and achievement in 2025, according to its annual review. The university saw enrollment rise for the tenth consecutive year, reaching 12,337 students—a 6.5% increase from Fall 2024. This included a record freshman class of 1,288 students.
The College of Nursing experienced the largest undergraduate growth at 13%, followed by increases in the College of Science and Mathematics (11%) and the College of Education and Human Development (9%). At the graduate level, new programs such as the Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy PhD in the Katherine Reese Pamplin College contributed to enrollment gains. The James M. Hull College of Business and School of Public Health also grew by over 20%.
In total, Augusta University conferred 3,308 degrees during the year—1,067 undergraduate, 1,881 graduate, 334 professional, and 26 post-professional.
AU President Russell T. Keen commented on these achievements: “The strides we made in 2025 reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering education that transforms lives and strengthens communities, with a direct impact on our students, patients and all Georgians. This is an exciting time for Augusta University, and our achievements over the past year demonstrate our dedication to excellence in every interaction and every experience. That commitment continues to inspire students to pursue the diverse areas of study that ultimately strengthen our state and our university.”
Throughout January, Augusta University focused on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene while making investments in safety and scholarship. The AU Police Department implemented $2.7 million in technology upgrades through federal funding.
In February, AU’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences received its second National Center of Academic Excellence designation from the National Security Agency’s NCAE-C program for cyber operations—making it Georgia’s only institution with both cyber defense and cyber operations recognitions.
March brought legislative support when the Georgia General Assembly approved nearly $100 million for a new translational research building at AU. Other highlights included expanded health sciences outreach programs for K-12 students.
April saw initiatives aimed at supporting first-generation college students as well as international service learning trips by allied health sciences students to Rwanda.
During May commencement ceremonies, AU awarded degrees to more than 1,700 graduates; Brooke Amero was recognized with the John F. Beard Award for Compassionate Care.
Over summer months, public health outreach continued with events like rural health fairs targeting farm workers. The university was named a Preservation Steward by the U.S. Government Publishing Office for its libraries’ work safeguarding public information.
In August, AU welcomed its largest-ever freshman class while being acknowledged as one of Georgia’s top employers; its economic contribution exceeded $1.6 billion statewide.
September featured expansion at Medical College of Georgia facilities outside Augusta as well as new campus infrastructure projects aimed at improving student experience.
October included major research grants—such as a record award for nursing faculty—and partnership initiatives with Wellstar Health System.
November saw additional investment in student support services via a $1.3 million grant along with fundraising campaigns raising hundreds of thousands for university programs.
December concluded with fall commencement ceremonies recognizing academic achievement across disciplines; medical illustration faculty were highlighted for their contributions combining art with science education.
President Keen reflected: “As we reflect on the past year, Karen and I are deeply grateful for the resilience, dedication, and shared purpose that define the Augusta University community —our faculty, staff, students, donors and supporters,” Keen said. “Together we are moving forward with purpose toward our vision of becoming a premier student-centered research university… As we look ahead to 2026… Augusta University’s brightest days are still to come.”
