Orange City, Iowa—For the third consecutive year, Northwestern College has set enrollment records. This fall’s enrollment is 1,585, up more than 2% from last year’s record of 1,546.
This year’s figures include the largest ever number of graduate students—500 enrolled in Northwestern’s online Master of Education program and on-campus master’s program in physician assistant studies—up from 461 last year. Northwestern also had 82.8% of last year’s freshmen return this fall, a record retention rate. And more than 6% of the college’s residential undergraduate population are Latino students, also a record high.
Tamara Fynaardt, Northwestern’s vice president for enrollment and marketing says they are thrilled to continue to be setting enrollment records, especially at a time in which many other schools are seeing declines. Their high retention rate shows that they are providing the standout academic preparation, integration of faith and learning, and experience of belonging that their students expect. Northwestern’s graduate programs continue to exceed expectations because of their great reputation for highly applicable content, personal attention, affordability and flexibility. And they’re glad to see progress on enrolling more students of color as we seek to live out their Vision for Diversity.
