By Loretta Fulton

McMurry and Abilene Christian universities set enrollment records while Hardin-Simmons University experienced enrollment growth, record-setting residence hall occupancy, and continued expansion in high-demand academic programs.

McMurry welcomed 340 new full-time first-year students, the largest entering class in the university’s 103-year history. The historic class is part of McMurry’s fourth consecutive year of record enrollment, with total fall enrollment reaching 11,077 students, including 1,210 full-time students, an increase of 4.2 percent from the prior year, and 9,867 part-time students, thanks to its Dual Enrollment Academy that allows high school students to enroll for selected classes.

“Welcoming the largest first-year class in our 103-year history is a remarkable achievement for McMurry,” President Lynne Murray said.Click here to read McMurry news release.

ACU welcomed 7,877 students, the ninth consecutive year of record enrollment. 
“Growth like this is a testament to the unique, Christ-centered education we provide,” President Phil Schubert said. 
ACU’s enrollment includes several strong indicators:
The system-wide headcount increased by 8 percent (603 students) over last year. 
The university saw a 48 percent growth over the past five years
The enrollment has increased 60 percent over the past 10 years.
Click here to read ACU news release.

Hardin-Simmons University enrolled 1,264 undergraduate students this fall. That’s compared to 1,252 students last year. HSU also welcomed an academically strong incoming class, with average SAT scores rising and a greater percentage of first-time freshmen ranking in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes. 
Residence hall occupancy reached a historic high, with 982 students living on campus, a 9 percent increase over last year and the highest housing occupancy in university history.
Click here to read HSU news release.
Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene