More students than ever are experiencing the Abilene Christian University campus this school year, with a record enrollment of 4,838. The total, which marks the first time ACU's enrollment has topped 4,800, includes a strong entering freshman class and an increasing number of graduate students.
Entering freshman students represent 988 of the total number, representing a stronger class academically, with an average ACT score of 24.0, up from 23.87 last year. The group is also more diverse than previous classes with 22.9 percent of students who are in a minority ethnic group, compared to 19.1 percent last year. Increased diversity and academic quality are both strategic goals in ACU's 21st-Century Vision. For more information on the 21st Century Vision, visit www.acu.edu/vision.
In addition, ACU continues to see an increase in demand for graduate programs. The total comprises 897 graduate students, an increase of 134 from last year. ACU has a variety of graduate programs that can be found at www.acu.edu/admissions/graduate.
"ACU's reputation of academic excellence in an authentic Christian environment continues to attract students from around the world," said Dr. Royce Money, ACU president. "Students recognize ACU as a premier institution to prepare for leadership. We set aggressive goals to launch our 21st Century Vision, and it is very encouraging that we are exceeding those goals."
ACU was recently ranked in the top 7 percent of universities nationwide in Forbes magazine's America's Best Colleges rankings. ACU moved up significantly in this ranking, surpassing other Texas schools including TCU and Baylor University.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
