Official numbers mark second-best enrollment in university history

Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 | 

NOTE: Below is an update to a first-day enrollment article that was posted on Aug. 20, 2014.

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As its 124th academic year is underway, the Lipscomb community is celebrating one of its best enrollments in history.

Official enrollment numbers from the 14th day of classes on Sept. 2 indicate a total university enrollment of 4,526, the second-highest count in school history. The enrollment number will increase in the next few weeks as cohorts in several graduate programs, including civic leadership and education, begin classes later this semester. University classes began Aug. 18.

With an enrollment of 1,265 at Lipscomb Academy, the total Lipscomb enrollment including academy and university enrollment is nearly 5,800.

“This is an exciting time for the Lipscomb community,” said Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry. “We are very pleased to have increases in a number of programs and in retention that have resulted in one of the best overall enrollments in our history. Lipscomb is a thriving, vital institution that students and their families see as a great investment in their future. It is an investment that helps students develop spiritually, and that also gives them the practical and professional skills they need to be ready for their careers and the next part of their journey.”

Included in this enrollment count are several notable increases, including:

  • An 80.3 percent freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, the highest in university history and well above the national average retention rate of approximately 70 percent;
  • 1,411 first-time students, including freshmen, Adult Degree Program, transfers and graduate students, an all-time university record;
  • An increase of 41 graduate business students;
  • A 12 percent increase in graduate Bible studies students; and
  • All-time university enrollment records in
    • Adult Degree Program, 271 students;
    • Nursing students, 164 students;
    • Doctorate of Ministry students, 28 students;
    • Doctorate of Education students, 74 students; and
    • Graduate studies in film and creative media, 22 students.

The university is poised to continue its growth in the coming months. Earlier this month, the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees approved the formation of a new School of Public Policy and Civic Leadership, a physician assistant degree and the formation of two new colleges, the College of Entertainment and the Arts and the College of Computing and Information Technology, among other initiatives.

For more information about applying to Lipscomb University, visit www.lipscomb.edu/admissions or call 615.966.1776.