Eastern Mennonite University has released its fall 2024 enrollment and retention figures, which reflect its ongoing commitment to belonging with significant growth in the percentage of incoming students who identify as people of color. The figures also show substantial increases in the number of new graduate students, growth in the Intensive English Program, and record enrollment in the aviation program, as well as a retention rate that remains high.
The census numbers, collected on Sept. 9, represent undergraduate, graduate, non-degree and non-credit enrollment on the main Harrisonburg, Virginia, campus and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, site for fall 2024.
“Amidst a challenging higher education environment, I am delighted that EMU is seeing growth in areas that reflect our shared values and ongoing commitment to belonging,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MA ’21, vice president for enrollment. “It is important to note that while we are reporting our fall enrollment in aggregate, each number represents an individual student who has chosen EMU to be the catalyst of their bright futures. It is a choice we celebrate and a responsibility we take seriously. We will continue to deliver an exceptional education experience that is accessible for them and for all students interested in becoming unifying leaders.”
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in the EMU Fact Book.
The number of incoming students in the aviation program at EMU at Lancaster surged from 9 to 23 (a 155% increase from last year), contributing to a total undergraduate enrollment of 755 students and an incoming class enrollment of 183 students. The Class of 2028 represents 15 states/territories and 10 countries and includes 34% of students who identify as first-generation and 53% who identify as people of color (a roughly 10% increase from last year). Of the incoming class, 43% are athletes.
Top areas of study, starting from most popular, include nursing, business and leadership, STEM, aviation, and education. The Intensive English Program realized an 18% enrollment increase from 84 to 99 students.
This year at least 32 teachers from the Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County public school divisions are renewing their licensure through the Graduate Teacher Education program, further demonstrating EMU’s commitment to community partnerships.
EMU’s retention rate, which is generally used as a gauge of student satisfaction, remains high. According to census data, 76% of the first-year undergraduate students who entered in fall 2023 continued their studies at EMU this semester. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the rate has measured 75% or higher.
“Our retention rate continues to soar above the national average,” said Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham. “Achieving this for six consecutive years is a feat. EMU’s collaborative approach, involving various departments working in synergy, ensures that students receive comprehensive support and have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”
EMU’s eight graduate programs, which include Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, continue to draw exceptional candidates with total full-time equivalent enrollment at 225 students. The number of new graduate students, including part-time and full-time students, is up by 30%. Those 108 degree-seeking students in the incoming graduate class represent 17 states and 16 countries.
Congrats! Glad to know you are diverse and that you are promoting Anabaptist beliefs in a time when we are called to be faithful to NT teachings of love, grace, and forgiveness. We are people of hope. Thank you!!!!!!
Congratulations, Braydon, for a positive enrollment report. Keep up the good work.