BYU-Idaho reported that 1,000 more students deferred their enrollment for the Fall 2026 semester compared to Fall 2025 to serve as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The increase follows a decision by the Church last November to lower the minimum missionary service age for women from 19 to 18.
Enrollment Trends and Stability
The surge in deferments has had a minimal impact on overall campus enrollment. According to statistics released for the Fall 2026 semester, total matriculated enrollment for campus-based students stands at 24,111, representing a 1.4% decrease from the Fall 2025 semester.
Student Demographics and Location
The campus-based student population for the current semester includes 20,868 students enrolled in face-to-face courses and 3,243 students enrolled in online courses and/or internships. The university estimates that approximately 22,000 students are living in Rexburg this semester.
Campus Population Breakdown
Demographic data for the campus-based student body shows a split of 12,526 male students and 11,585 female students, accounting for 52% and 48% of the population, respectively. Additionally, married students comprise 18 percent of the total campus-based student population.
Online and Partnership Enrollment
Beyond the physical campus in Rexburg, BYU-Idaho maintains a significant online presence. The university enrolls 24,308 online students through a partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide. When combining campus-based and online students, the total number of students enrolled in BYU-Idaho courses for the semester is 48,419.
Impact of Missionary Age Change
The shift in enrollment patterns is linked to the policy change enacted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last November. By lowering the minimum missionary age for women from 19 to 18, the Church has seen a notable rise in students choosing to delay their university studies for religious service.
