EMU’s fall 2022 enrollment numbers reflect growth, high retention

Eastern Mennonite University has released its fall 2022 enrollment and retention numbers, which reflect meaningful growth in the graduate, seminary, and Intensive English Program academic areas. 

The census data, collected on Sept. 9, reflect undergraduate, graduate, seminary, dual and non-credit enrollment on the main Harrisonburg campus and the Lancaster, Pa., site. for fall 2022. 

“I am delighted that graduate and seminary enrollment numbers are up by 14%,” says Mary Jensen, EMU’s vice president for enrollment and strategic growth since January 2021. “The positive impact of the centralization of graduate admissions efforts was realized this summer and fall as our 2022 new student headcount in these areas was up nearly 50%.” 

Graduate programs posting overall enrollment increases include education, biomedicine, counseling, nursing, and trauma and resilience in health care settings. EMU offers a range of degree and graduate certificate programs in these fields.

Another strong data point is EMU’s undergraduate first-year retention rate of 81 percent, an increase of six points over last year’s figures and above the national average of 78.2% for four-year non-profit universities, according to the National Student Clearinghouse.

“Our strong retention rate highlights investments EMU has made to help students thrive, including a Quality Enhancement Plan that focuses on student learning and the implementation of a dedicated advising structure for all first-year students,” says Zach Yoder, assistant provost for student success. “We can also tie retention to a return to more ‘normal’ shared, in-person experiences in the classroom, residence halls, and athletic fields.”

Data also reflect a 5 percent rise in students living on campus. While this is a revenue booster for the university, Yoder notes that the vitality of on-campus residential living and student life activities also make for a richer and more fulfilling college experience. 

Total student enrollment increased to 1,456, while undergraduate enrollment remained relatively flat with 201 incoming full-time first-year students.

“We’re observing the effects of some nationwide trends here at EMU, including an increase in students who enter with enough credits to graduate in three years, as well some students deciding to pause or not enroll for various reasons, some of which are reverberating effects of the pandemic,” Jensen said.