Lipscomb University sets freshman enrollment record for second consecutive year
Lipscomb is once-again celebrating an enrollment milestone.
Kim Chaudoin |
As fall semester classes begin today, Lipscomb University has achieved a significant milestone: the largest incoming class of new freshmen in the university's history. For the second consecutive year, Lipscomb surpassed its previous first-time freshman record.
First-day enrollment numbers indicate the largest class of new freshmen in university history with close to 730 first-time freshman students and over 875 total new students joining the Bison Herd, contributing to a projected total enrollment of more than 4,800 students. Final enrollment numbers will be available in mid-September following the university’s official census.
“We are thrilled to welcome a record number of freshmen to Lipscomb again this year. Our Christ-centered mission, paired with our top-tier academic programs, resonates deeply with students across the country,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “They know that Lipscomb is a place where students flourish and are part of a community that supports their growth in every aspect of life through the transformative experiences they will have here. I am looking forward to a great year.”
The continued enrollment growth over the last 17 years reflects the school’s growing reputation as a top-tier, nationally recognized institution and one of the top Christian universities in the country, ranked #12 in the country by niche.com. Lipscomb’s freshman enrollment record comes at a time when many institutions across the country are projected to be down in enrollment due to the impact of the changes in the FAFSA process this year.
“This remarkable incoming class was selected from the largest pool of applicants we have ever seen, which speaks volumes about the growing recognition of Lipscomb's academic excellence and our commitment to providing whole-person learning experiences that prepare students for purposeful lives,” said Byron Lewis, vice president of enrollment management. “Our location in Nashville, one of the nation's most vibrant and student-friendly cities, adds to the appeal. I’m excited for the incredible journey this new class is about to embark on.”
Included in this year’s enrollment growth is the launch of several new programs including a Master of Science in Applied AI; a Master of Science in Sport Analytics; the Entertainment, Design & Creative Enterprise Stackable Graduate Certificates program; and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree among others. Lipscomb administrators anticipate additional enrollment growth this semester as several graduate program cohorts will begin in the next few weeks.
New students are welcomed into the Lipscomb community on the night before fall semester classes begin with the Initium ceremony.
New students moved into residence halls on Aug. 12 and 13. Last week, new undergraduates prepared for the first day of classes with QuestWeek, an orientation program designed to immerse them into the Lipscomb community. QuestWeek activities included teams of students volunteering at organizations throughout Nashville for a service day, a family dinner, parent-student worship, various academic information sessions, Neon Skate Night, a Sunset Social, Running of the Bison and Initium, a formal ceremony for freshmen marking the beginning of their college career.
Two years ago Lipscomb launched its strategic plan, Lipscomb Impact 360. Among the highlights of the accomplishments to date include establishing the Office of Research & Grants, launching the Center for Vocational Discovery, opening Bison One Stop, expanding the health sciences program with the launch of the Lipscomb University Health Sciences Center, establishing the College of Health Sciences, founding the Next Generation Faculty Program, funding two distinguished visiting professorships, restructuring the undergraduate general education curriculum, and starting the Presidential Signature Series.
It is truly a great time to be a part of the Lipscomb University community. In April, the U.S. Department of the Army bestowed a prestigious Community Partnership Award on the innovative partnership between the Tennessee National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters and Lipscomb’s College of Leadership & Public Service in a ceremony at the Pentagon. Also this spring the College of Business was ranked the top undergraduate program in Tennessee and among the top 50 in the nation by Poets&Quants for Undergrads in its annual Best Undergrad Business Schools rankings. In the fall, a team of Lipscomb School of Communication students received a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, one of the most esteemed honors in the journalism industry, for their documentary, “The Grand Ole Guitar.”
Lipscomb has been named a 2024-25 College of Distinction and its College of Education, College of Pharmacy and Pfeffer Graduate School of Business were all recognized by U.S. News & World Report as being among the best in the nation. Lipscomb’s animation program has quickly developed a national reputation as one of the best programs of its kind. The 2024 Animation Career Review ranked Lipscomb #13 Top Bachelor of Arts in Animation Program in the US, #1 Top Private Animation School in Tennessee and the #39 Top Private Animation School in the U.S.
Lipscomb University is a vibrant Christian, liberal arts community with a student body of nearly 5,000 students that offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. Located in the heart of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a Christ-centered community preparing learners for purposeful lives through rigorous academics and transformative experiences. The institution also includes Lipscomb Academy, a PreK2-12th grade college preparatory school of nearly 1,500 students. For more information, visit www.lipscomb.edu.