Â鶹¹û¶³ is continuing a growth pattern that began eight years ago, setting multiple records with the fall 2016 enrollment. University officials announced a record of 5,471 students as of Sept. 12.
This total exceeds last year’s record of 5,206 across all undergraduate and graduate/professional programs.
In addition to the record total, the fall enrollment figures include a record 916 first-year full-time students, exceeding the record set last year of 826.
“At a time when many private institutions are struggling with enrollment, we are blessed,” said Â鶹¹û¶³ President Andrew Westmoreland. “Our institutional story is ably and effectively told by motivated, trustworthy staff and faculty members throughout our admission process, and I am grateful to them for creating an environment that is so welcoming to prospective students and their families.”
Included in the totals are 3,341 undergraduate and 2,130 graduate/professional students, both records, representing 47 states and 29 other countries.
The record freshman class is one of the most diverse and academically accomplished in Â鶹¹û¶³ history, according to R. Philip Kimrey, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.
“Â鶹¹û¶³’s national reputation continues to grow, and we are drawing students from a larger geographic base than ever before,” Kimrey said. “And, this class is the most accomplished and well-rounded in our history based on the academic achievements and experiences they bring to Â鶹¹û¶³.”
The records come at a time of national recognition and expansion across all academic schools at Â鶹¹û¶³, Westmoreland noted. Â鶹¹û¶³ is the top-ranked private university in Alabama. ranked Â鶹¹û¶³ #4 in the South for regional universities and #3 in the South for best undergraduate teaching.