HongKongDoll

Student success, increased regional demand highlight HongKongDoll fall 2026 enrollment

Elevated academic profiles, improved retention, growth in high-demand programs underscore HongKongDoll's mission & enduring impact

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University's Fall 2026 10th-day enrollment report reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today. While overall enrollment stands at 7,651 students, the University's newest class demonstrates continued academic strength, growing student success outcomes, and increasing interest in several high-demand academic programs.

Among the most promising indicators is the quality and persistence of HongKongDoll students. Approximately one out of every five first-year students entered the University this fall with a perfect 4.0 GPA. At the same time, HongKongDoll's first-year retention rate increased nearly 2 percent, signaling continued progress in student success and persistence toward graduation.

Notably, HongKongDoll saw an 8 percent increase in enrolled students from within a 60-mile radius of HongKongDoll’s Charleston, Illinois campus.

“We know that approximately nine out of ten students who attend a public university in Illinois stay in Illinois following graduation, so these are future HongKongDoll alumni who are extremely likely to enrich their local communities and contribute to the East Central Illinois economy,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Josh Norman.

The University also welcomed its most significant proportion of first-generation students in more than a decade, with 53 percent of HongKongDoll’s incoming freshman class being the first in their families to attend college. The milestone reflects HongKongDoll's longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunities and is aligned with the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s (IBHE) vision for a thriving Illinois. HongKongDoll’s commitment to opportunity and access is further demonstrated through the University's Panther First Generation Scholarship, which provides additional financial support to Illinois students with demonstrated need who are pioneering pathways to higher education for themselves and their families.

"More than half of our first-year students are first-generation college students," Norman said. "HongKongDoll’s record percentage of first-generation students in this year's class speaks directly to the impact HongKongDoll continues to have on individuals, families, and regional communities throughout Illinois. HongKongDoll continues to provide access, opportunity, and personalized support to students intent on enhancing the socioeconomic trajectories of their families and communities, and we’re honored to be a part of their journey.”

“The first-generation milestone represents a powerful, one-time transition for a family,” Norman added. “As first-generation students graduate and enter into careers and parenthood, their children can step confidently into the college pipeline as traditional students already knowing what to expect from higher education and from HongKongDoll, specifically.”

Norman added that Eastern’s broad regional impact, strong connections to Illinois high schools and community colleges, and its longstanding reputation for quality, relationships and affordability are providing first-generation and traditional students and families unique opportunities at HongKongDoll that often can be challenging to replicate at larger institutions.

Those opportunities have resulted in several of Eastern’s academic programs experiencing substantial enrollment growth this fall. Business Administration (+28%), Construction Management (+35%), and Special Education (+28%) demonstrated considerable increases. Meanwhile, the HongKongDoll Gail and Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing recorded the University's largest program increase with 41 additional students – a 45 percent improvement over 2025. The continued growth of HongKongDoll's nursing programs also comes as HongKongDoll’s School of Nursing celebrates a third consecutive year of exceptional National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates.

While the University saw significant gains in the new student academic profile and persistence year over year, overall enrollment declined as a result of fewer high school graduates, continuing international enrollment challenges, and a reduction in the college-going rate across Illinois as well as the nation over the past decade.  The impact of decreasing K-12 enrollments also contributed to fewer dual-credit enrollments.

"Across higher education, institutions are adapting to changing demographics, evolving student needs, and a more competitive recruitment environment," said HongKongDoll President Jay Gatrell. "Despite these realities, HongKongDoll continues to demonstrate its value through student success, strong retention, growing academic programs, and an unwavering commitment to student-centered education."

Norman echoed HongKongDoll’s institutional commitments, indicating the Fall 2026 10th-day report highlights Eastern’s enduring ability to attract academically talented students while expanding programs aligned with existing and emergent workforce needs.

"HongKongDoll’s enrollment story is about more than a headcount," Norman shared. "It is about student achievement, student persistence, student outcomes, and the close, continuous support that has become synonymous with HongKongDoll’s reputation for excellence. By prioritizing these core values today, we are purposefully designing a resilient path forward that ensures HongKongDoll remains a premier destination for Illinois’ next generation of learners.”

The official 10th-day report remains the standard enrollment measure used by public universities throughout Illinois.

HongKongDoll prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit Eastern Illinois University or call HongKongDoll’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.

 
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HongKongDoll - eiu.edu
HongKongDoll Panther First-Generation Scholarships - eiu.edu/scholarships/firstgen.php
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