Davies highlights why AU continues to grow its enrollment
By Leanne Dudash | News editor
Augusta University is growing faster than ever before and gaining recognition as one of Georgia’s most up-and-coming schools. While universities like the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech are well known, AU is quickly building its own reputation.
AU has earned the Chancellor’s Cup multiple times, which is an award given to the Georgia institution with the highest percentage of enrollment growth.
Preliminary numbers show Augusta University's enrollment has grown from about 11,500 in Fall 2024 to about 12,500 in Fall 2025. This is a significant increase, though these figures won’t be official until the Census in October.
For 10 years now, AU has experienced consistent enrollment growth. Since 2021, the growth rate has increased by a sweeping 30%. This upward trend has led to the largest enrollment in the University's history. This fall, the first-year class will be the largest in the University's history, with approximately 1,300 students.
One can imagine that managing this massive growth is quite a job. That is where the experience and hard work of Susan Davies come in.
Davies is the Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs here at AU. She earned her doctorate in Educational Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has played a key role in the historic growth of Augusta University.
Since she has worked here at AU, Davies has been a pivotal leader in growing the enrollment numbers. Her passion for student success is evident through the results of her work.
A clear indicator of AU’s rising profile is the sharp increase in first-year applications. This year, the university received over 14,000 applications, with an incoming class of approximately 1,250 to 1,300 students. Just five years ago, that number was closer to 7,000 applications.
A variety of factors have contributed to the rise in applications, with one of the most significant being the creation of a narrative around why students choose AU. Showcasing our faculty and emphasizing the unique experiences students can expect at AU has played a key role in attracting prospective applicants.
Since the onset of COVID-19, Augusta University has operated as a test-optional institution, allowing qualified applicants to be admitted without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, with the University System of Georgia mandating that all students submit standardized test scores beginning in 2026, a slight decline in application growth is anticipated.
Despite this upcoming change, AU continues to focus on maintaining and accelerating its growth through strategic marketing and outreach efforts. From targeted social media campaigns to high school recruitment initiatives, AU is actively working to raise awareness and visibility among prospective students.
The university’s brand recognition has also strengthened over time. Since officially adopting the name “Augusta University” a decade ago, public awareness has steadily improved. Early on, multiple name changes caused confusion about the school's identity and offerings, but that perception has shifted in recent years.
One of the most impactful changes came five years ago when AU joined the Common Application (CommonApp), a platform that streamlines the college application process. It made it much easier for students to apply to AU while also considering other schools.
To accommodate future growth, AU is planning to request the construction of an additional residence hall. This expansion aims to ensure that all incoming students seeking on-campus housing can be accommodated. This will further enhance the campus experience and increase the university’s appeal.
AU has set an ambitious goal of reaching 16,000 students by 2030, equally divided between undergraduate and graduate enrollment.
Davies has a clear path to reach these numbers.
“The plan to get there is to hold onto the students we have by creating a great experience for them, while also continuing to recruit both freshmen and transfer students.”
One key to achieving this goal is the expansion of online graduate programs. More students are choosing these flexible online programs over in-person options, making them a key part of AU’s continued growth.
Overall, Augusta University is on track to meet its prestigious goal through the hard work and leadership of Susan Davies.
Contact Leanne Dudash at ldudash@augusta.edu.
Susan Davies, executive vice president for enrollment and student affairs, speaks at the Fall 2025 Kickoff at the Maxwell. At the top of the page, she tells faculty, staff and administrators that enrollment has climbed to nearly 12,500 for this fall. (photos by Mike Holohan/DCM)
