More than 6,700 students enrolled at Abilene Christian University this fall, marking the university’s largest-ever student body and seven consecutive years of record enrollment. The student total of 6,730 reflects an increase of 8% over last year, more than 27% over the past five years and more than 48% over the past 10 years.
This fall’s record enrollment includes 1,104 new freshmen who come from every region of Texas, the continental United States and across the world with 21 valedictorians, two National Merit Finalists and 29 international students. Among the top programs of interest for incoming students are business, nursing, kinesiology, psychology, engineering, communication sciences and disorders, occupational therapy, and marriage and family therapy.
“These numbers are exciting and rewarding as we continue to see growth and demand for what ACU offers – a Christ-centered education at a world-class, nationally recognized university,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “What’s most important, however, aren’t the numbers but the purpose and promise of the individual student lives they represent. We are thrilled to welcome each of them and look forward to the journey ahead.”
The number of undergraduate students at ACU is up 10% compared to last year, and the freshman class increased by 8.8% over last year, even with challenges presented by delays in the processing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both online and residential enrollment increased compared to last year.
Among residential students, the university achieved its highest-ever retention rate of first-year to second-year students at 81%. In addition, retention of Hispanic and Black students improved by 7% since 2019, surpassing specific goals set out in ACU’s strategic plan.
[aesop_image img=”https://mllcnzvqahci.i.optimole.com/cb:a79E.7a2e/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/f:best/https://acu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Gameday-101-Crowd-9296-web.jpeg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”40%” align=”right” lightbox=”on” captionsrc=”custom” caption=”At Gameday 101, new students learn about Wildcat sports and traditions” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]
Fall 2024 Quick Facts
Total enrollment: 6,730
Freshmen: 1,104
Undergraduate students: 4,630
Graduate students: 2,100
Abilene campus: 3,598
ACU Online: 3,132
International students: 145
Ethnic diversity of the student body: 47%
Students enrolling at ACU are seeking to connect faith and education at a Christ-centered national research university. Top scholars are attracted to the Honors College, Division I athletic programs, opportunities for undergraduate research, and ACU’s Center for Pre-Health Professions.
For the past five years, the student experience at Abilene Christian University has been ranked as one of the nation’s best. In last year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings, ACU was honored nationally in the top 10 for First-Year Experience, Learning Communities and Service Learning.
The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab, in collaboration with Natura Resources, is designing and building a molten salt-fueled research reactor at ACU’s new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center, and undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines work alongside faculty in those groundbreaking research efforts.
[aesop_image img=”https://mllcnzvqahci.i.optimole.com/cb:a79E.7a2e/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/f:best/https://acu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Praise-Day24-Crowd-8281-web.jpeg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”40%” align=”left” lightbox=”on” captionsrc=”custom” caption=”The first Praise Day Chapel of the year drew a crowd of students to Moody Coliseum for worship” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]
Forbes recently ranked ACU among the top private universities in the nation for financial health in the 2024 College Financial Grades – one of only 54 institutions receiving an A or higher rating out of 876 private universities. ACU ranked fourth among Texas schools.
Current students and recent graduates regularly earn prestigious national honors and scholarships, including Fulbright Grants, Goldwater Scholar awards and Sumners Foundation scholarships.
ACU Online recently launched three new colleges to support its growing student population and new degree programs including an Ed.D. in educational leadership and an M.S. in sports leadership. In addition, the creation of the Corporate and Community Partnership Division has resulted in 18 K-12 partnerships and expanded industry opportunities related to military and government organizations and community colleges.
— Wendy Kilmer
Sept. 13, 2024