BYU-Idaho enrollment remains steady despite increase in missionary deferments
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REXBURG — BYU-Idaho saw a significant increase in students deferring their enrollment this fall to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but overall campus enrollment remained relatively steady.
The university reported 24,111 campus-based students for the Fall 2026 Semester, a 1.4% decrease from Fall 2025, according to a news release. Despite approximately 1,000 more students deferring enrollment to serve missions compared to last year, the university’s overall campus enrollment declined by only a few hundred students.
The increase in missionary deferments comes after the Church lowered the minimum age for women to begin missionary service from 19 to 18 last November.
Of the 24,111 campus-based students, the release says 20,868 are taking face-to-face courses, while 3,243 are enrolled in online courses and/or internships. The university estimates approximately 22,000 students are living in Rexburg this semester.
The campus student population includes 12,526 men and 11,585 women, representing 52% and 48% of the student body, respectively. Married students account for 18% of campus-based enrollment.
BYU-Idaho also has 24,308 online students who receive services through its partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
Combined, the university reports 48,419 students enrolled in BYU-Idaho courses for the Fall 2026 Semester.