by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
For decades, experts have been predicting lower-than-normal student enrollment numbers for public and private universities across the country. This trend was expected in 2021, especially given concerns from COVID-19.
At Cedarville University, however, the story is much different than the national trend, even with the coronavirus pandemic.
For the 14th consecutive year, Cedarville has recorded a record enrollment of undergraduate, graduate and high school dual-enrolled students. According to a report filed by Fran Campbell, university registrar, the university’s enrollment for 2021-22 climbed to 4,715 students — an increase of 3.6%, or 165 students, from last year’s enrollment of 4,550 students.
In 2018, Cedarville enrolled more than 4,000 students for the first time in its 134-year history.
“God has been gracious and kind to Cedarville University,” said Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “We are committed to stewarding all that he has entrusted to us, remaining faithful to advance the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ in all we do.”
The record student body includes 4,195 undergraduate and 520 graduate students. The incoming freshman class has 972 students, which is the second-largest incoming class in history.
"We are humbled by the privilege God has given us to be part of his transforming work in the lives of our students,” said White. “We pray we are faithful in providing an excellent education marked by intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority.”
Cedarville is currently in the midst of a 10-year campus master plan that will position the institution for continued growth. One year ago, three new facilities opened, including a 282-bed residence hall, a 300-seat Chick-fil-A restaurant and a new facility for the civil engineering program.
The master plan also includes expanding the Callan Athletic Center to add space for intercollegiate athletics as well as the university’s new Master of Athletic Training and developing physician assistant (PA) program and constructing the Scharnberg Business Center for the school of business administration and a new liberal arts and welcome center.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,715 undergraduate, graduate and high school dual-enrolled students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.