North Dakota State University could hit 13,000 students for the first time this fall.

The university reported 12,871 students on the first full day of classes Tuesday. That’s 654 more students from this time last year, or a 5 percent increase.

The enrollment growth is driven by a record 2,648 freshmen, 473 more than last year.

NDSU’s headcount is expected to fluctuate before it becomes final on the 20th day of classes. Last fall’s official tally was 12,527.

First-day enrollments from other area colleges:

- North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton reported 2,418 students, compared to last year’s first-day headcount of 2,411.

- Valley City (N.D.) State University reported 915 students, up from the headcount of 909 students last year.

- Mayville (N.D.) State University did not release a headcount.