Crisp mornings signal the return of students at the State University of New York at Fredonia. This year, the institution is upbeat as 3,156 are enrolled for the start of the fall semester.

That is ahead of last year’s total at the same point in time, the university says. The incoming class includes 990 first-year, transfer, and new graduate students. Total graduate enrollment is up 17% compared to last year, and almost 50% from three years ago, reflecting Fredonia’s growing strength in advanced degree programs.

“This year’s enrollment demonstrates encouraging stability at a moment when higher education is navigating significant demographic and financial pressures,” said Dr. Kathryn Kendall, vice president for enrollment management and services. “Alongside a strong incoming class, our graduate enrollment continues to rise, and our first-year student retention rate of 79 percent is well above the national average. These measures reflect the resilience of our campus community, and the value students find here.”

Higher education has been under fire lately — but receiving a SUNY degree still comes at a bargain when compared to private universities. Unfortunately, there is also a new reality that the days of the university having 5,000 students is part of the past.

Today, like Kendall said, it is about stability when dealing with enrollment. Judging from the start of the semester – and the numbers — there is reason for optimism. That benefits the village community — and the region’s economy.