By Loretta Fulton

Abilene’s three universities recorded fall enrollment increases over previous years, with McMurry and Abilene Christian universities setting consecutive records.

For the first time in several years, Hardin-Simmons University showed an increase, with 1,665 students. That number reflects an 8.5 percent increase in first-time freshman, the university reported. 

“This growth, along with steady retention rates, has contributed to a 6 percent rise in students living on campus,” according to a news release.

Hardin-Simmons has not publicly reported its fall enrollment for several years, but numbers from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board showed HSU with a fall 2023 enrollment of 1,655, ten fewer than this year. The fall 2023 number reflected a downward trend for HSU since fall 2020 when 2,132 students enrolled.

McMurry posted a record enrollment for the second consecutive year, aided by high school students enrolled in the university’s Dual Credit Academy. McMurry launched the academy in 2022 and in May 2024, the first students walked the stage at McMurry’s graduation with an associate degree. 

Students completing the dual academy are offered a scholarship to McMurry to continue their education. With the Dual Credit Academy high school students, McMurry enrolled 3,183 students in fall 2024. 

“This year, DCA enrollment grew by 38 percent, with students from over 125 partner high schools across the state participating,” a McMurry news release stated.

ACU recorded its largest-ever enrollment, with 6,730 students. Of those, 3,598 are on the Abilene campus. The university also reported a 47 percent ethnic diversity.

This fall’s enrollment reflected a seven-year trend of record enrollments for ACU. The number of undergraduate students at ACU is up 10 percent compared to last year, and the freshman class increased by 8.8 percent over last year.

“These numbers are exciting and rewarding as we continue to see growth and demand for what ACU offers–a Christ-centered education at a world-class, nationally recognized university,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. 

Complete news releases from each university follow:

HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
Total enrollment for Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) 2024-2025 academic year has increased to 1,665 students, bucking the downward trend among similar schools, despite the delays and other problems from the rollout of the Department of Education’s new FAFSA form. Thanks to the dedication of our exceptional faculty and staff, HSU is proud to highlight several milestones that showcase our continued success and the growing enrollment at HSU.

This year, HSU saw an 8.5% increase in first-time freshmen. This growth, along with steady retention rates, has contributed to a 6% rise in students living on campus. The newly opened Prichard Hall, a suite-style residence hall with private bedrooms, has proven to be a popular option, reaching nearly full capacity of 163 students in its first year.

The campus dining experience has improved with the expansion and remodeling of The Caf, featuring a larger kitchen, a variety of food options, and more dining space. As a result, HSU saw a 19% increase in meal plan subscriptions.

Staying responsive to academic industry needs of our students to prepare them for the future, HSU is excited to announce that 70 students will join HSU’s new Nursing program to launch in Spring 2025. Our Engineering program, now entering its second year, has nearly doubled its enrollment, reflecting its continued success and growing demand. Additionally, the College of Arts and Media, which moved into its own distinct college in Spring 2024, has seen enrollment grow by 48% in just a few months.

While HSU celebrates these academic advancements, we remain committed to making higher education accessible. This year, the university awarded $25 million in scholarships to help students pursue their education. These efforts have continued to give HSU national recognition, being named as a College of Distinction in categories such as Affordability, Business, Career Development, Christian Education, and Nursing. We are proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly School and a Hispanic-Serving Institution. 

HSU looks forward to continuing its mission of providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Striving to be an innovative community of servant scholars engaging 

the minds and nurturing the spirits of future Christian leaders, we are excited to build on these achievements and provide even greater opportunities moving forward.

McMURRY UNIVERSITY
McMurry University is proud to announce it has reached a record enrollment for the second consecutive year with 3,183 students, a 25% increase over last year’s enrollment mark. Additionally, McMurry welcomed its largest new incoming freshman cohort in 16 years. The 2024 incoming cohort represents the second largest freshman class in the institution’s 101-year history and third consecutive cohort increase. 

“Our continued historic growth is proof of the value students and their families place on higher education and the McMurry experience,” said University President Dr. Sandra S. Harper. “From our Dual Credit Academy to full-time campus programs, McMurry is giving students exciting opportunities to grow into the future leaders of their fields and communities. We are also pleased that the construction of our new apartments also assisted in our residential growth. Housing in both the residence halls and apartments are at 100 percent capacity.”    

Full-time enrollment grew 5 percent, driven by the large incoming freshmen cohort, increases in new transfer students, and continued strong retention.  

McMurry’s success extends beyond its main campus. Launched in 2022, McMurry’s Dual Credit Academy (DCA) offers high school students an affordable head start on their college education. This year, DCA enrollment grew by 38 percent, with students from over 125 partner high schools across the state participating. 

“This past May, our first DCA students earned their associate’s degree and walked the stage at graduation,” Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Grant Greenwood said. “With over 20 courses, college credit opportunities, a scholarship to McMurry, and the chance to earn an associate’s degree, these students have a range of options to advance their education and achieve their goals.” 

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
More than 6,700 students enrolled at Abilene Christian University this fall, marking the university’s largest-ever student body and seven consecutive years of record enrollment. The student total of 6,730 reflects an increase of 8% over last year, more than 27 percent over the past five years and more than 48 percent over the past 10 years. 

This fall’s record enrollment includes 1,104 new freshmen who come from every region of Texas, the continental United States and across the world with 21 valedictorians, two National Merit Finalists and 29 international students. Among the top programs of interest for incoming students are business, nursing, kinesiology, psychology, engineering, communication sciences and disorders, occupational therapy, and marriage and family therapy.

“These numbers are exciting and rewarding as we continue to see growth and demand for what ACU offers – a Christ-centered education at a world-class, nationally recognized university,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “What’s most important, however, isn’t the numbers but the purpose and promise of the individual student lives they represent. We are thrilled to welcome each of them and look forward to the journey ahead.”

The number of undergraduate students at ACU is up 10 percent compared to last year, and the freshman class increased by 8.8 percent over last year, even with challenges presented by delays in the processing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both online and residential enrollment increased compared to last year.

Among residential students, the university achieved its highest-ever retention rate of first-year to second-year students at 81 percent. In addition, retention of Hispanic and Black students improved by 7 percent since 2019, surpassing specific goals set out in ACU’s strategic plan. 

Fall 2024 Quick Facts
Total enrollment: 6,730
Freshmen: 1,104
Undergraduate students: 4,630
Graduate students: 2,100
Abilene campus: 3,598
ACU Online: 3,132
International students: 145
Ethnic diversity of the student body: 47%

Students enrolling at ACU are seeking to connect faith and education at a Christ-centered national research university. Top scholars are attracted to the Honors College, Division I athletic programs, opportunities for undergraduate research, and ACU’s Center for Pre-Health Professions.

For the past five years, the student experience at Abilene Christian University has been ranked as one of the nation’s best. In last year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings,

ACU was honored nationally in the top 10 for First-Year Experience, Learning Communities and Service Learning.

The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab, in collaboration with Natura Resources, is designing and building a molten salt-fueled research reactor at ACU’s new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center, and undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines work alongside faculty in those groundbreaking research efforts.

 Forbes recently ranked ACU among the top private universities in the nation for financial health in the 2024 College Financial Grades – one of only 54 institutions receiving an A or higher rating out of  876 private universities. ACU ranked fourth among Texas schools.

Current students and recent graduates regularly earn prestigious national honors and scholarships, including Fulbright Grants, Goldwater Scholar awards and Sumners Foundation scholarships.

ACU Online recently launched three new colleges to support its growing student population and new degree programs including an Ed.D. in educational leadership and an M.S. in sports leadership. In addition, the creation of the Corporate and Community Partnership Division has resulted in 18 K-12 partnerships and expanded industry opportunities related to military and government organizations and community colleges.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene