Enrollment Growth Drives New Housing at Cedarville University
Enrollment growth at Cedarville University is fueling new on-campus housing to support Christ-centered community. Four apartment buildings opening in 2026 will house more students and strengthen discipleship as graduates are prepared for global impact.
A new chapter of growth is taking shape at Cedarville University, both in rising enrollment and in lives shaped through intentional, Christ-centered community. As student enrollment continues to increase, the university is expanding its residential footprint to support on-campus discipleship, belonging and community in preparation for global gospel impact.
Since 2010, Cedarville’s enrollment has grown from 3,100 students to 7,265. To meet the needs of its expanding student body, the university continues to build residential housing — constructing eight facilities in the last seven years.
New On-Campus Housing Supports Student Community and Discipleship
This growth will be evident later in 2026, when four apartment buildings will open for the start of the new academic year. The apartments, located on the east side of campus along State Route 72, will house 192 students.
Despite the rapid expansion, university leaders emphasize that Cedarville remains firmly rooted in its mission to cultivate Christ-centered community.
“The ways we live out community may look different than they did a decade ago, but the spirit of Cedarville has remained the same,” said Dr. Scott Van Loo, vice president for enrollment management. “From daily chapel services and discipleship ministries to the intentional care provided by residence hall staff, there is a strong and unifying sense of purpose across the university.”
Christ-Centered Community Remains Central Amid Campus Expansion
Dr. Jon Wood, vice president for student life and Christian ministries, said the new housing developments are designed to function as more than logistical solutions to enrollment growth. They also serve as hubs for ministry, mentorship and spiritual formation.
“The strength of the university is developed in relationships,” Wood said. “Those relationships — built through everyday conversations as well as organized Bible studies — are most effectively fostered through the shared rhythms of living on and around campus.”
University leaders say the new residence halls and apartment-style housing expand opportunities for students to experience intentional discipleship within a supportive Christian community. By increasing access to on-campus housing, Cedarville aims to remove barriers that may prevent students from enrolling or remaining engaged in campus life.
“Ultimately, we want the students God is calling to Cedarville to be able to be here,” Van Loo said. “We seek to identify and address barriers during the recruitment process so more students can pursue a Christ-centered education and be equipped for lifelong service.”
Preparing Graduates for Global Gospel Impact
The continued investment in residential infrastructure supports Cedarville’s long-term vision of preparing graduates to serve locally and globally. University leaders say enrollment growth directly translates into expanded gospel impact as more graduates are sent into diverse communities worldwide.
“As Cedarville grows, more students are being discipled and equipped to participate in the mission of God,” Van Loo said. “When students experience excellent academics, coupled with intentional discipleship, they graduate prepared to be light in the world. Growth is a blessing, and we are grateful to support an increasing number of students who will share the gospel and make disciples wherever they are called.”
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.