by Alyssa Speicher, Public Relations Writer
College enrollment numbers in Ohio have been declining for the past six years, according to the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. At Cedarville University, however, the trend is different, as the school registered its 11th consecutive record enrollment in the 2017-18 academic year.
Enrollment climbed to 3,963 students, according to data provided by the registrar’s office. This five percent growth from last year’s 3,760 students is the result of 872 new freshmen-- the largest freshmen class in school history--and an 83.6 percent freshman-to-sophomore retention rate. The previous largest incoming freshmen class was 859 in 2010-11.
"I am very proud of our faculty, staff, and enrollment management team," said Dr. Thomas White, president. "God led a record number of students to enroll at Cedarville University, and the Cedarville family did a great job making them feel welcomed. We now have an opportunity to train them with academic excellence for Gospel impact all across the world."
The new freshmen come with impressive academic accomplishments. The average ACT score of this class is 26, while their collective high school grade point average was 3.7. In addition to the large freshmen class, 108 students transferred to Cedarville.
“We are thankful to God for the record freshmen and transfer cohort, along with strong enrollment in our Dual Enrollment and graduate programs,” said Scott Van Loo, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management. “All the credit goes to Him.”
Cedarville University continues to attract students from all over the world. This year, the combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment represents 49 U.S. states and 41 countries. The three largest academic schools this year are business administration (485), engineering and computer science (470) and nursing(431).
“The increase in enrollment means that more men and women will be equipped, through challenging academics and intentional discipleship opportunities, to impact the kingdom and share Christ with a world that desperately needs Him,” added Van Loo.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized
nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University,
visit www.cedarville.edu.