Huntington College Enrollment Hits New Record High
FOR RELEASE: Monday, September 17, 2001
HUNTINGTON, IN September 18, 2001 "Huntington College has broken enrollment records for the eighth consecutive year. Total enrollment at the comprehensive Christian college now stands at a record high, with the largest undergraduate population in the school's 105-year history. The total student headcount for the fall semester is 1,001, including 879 undergraduates, 89 adults enrolled in the EXCEL Program, and 33 graduate students.
Huntington College has experienced dramatic growth in recent years. Total enrollment has increased by 73% since 1993. Full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment of undergraduates now stands at an all-time record of 864. This marks a 72% increase in undergraduate FTE since 1993.
To accommodate this growth, Huntington College has recently opened two new residence halls, and is currently constructing a new 91,000-square-foot science center.
Huntington's strong academic reputation is credited for the growth trend. In recent years, US News and World Report has consistently ranked Huntington College among the best Midwestern colleges. This year, HC ranked 15th of 110 similar colleges in a twelve-state region. In addition, HC was listed in the premier edition of a new guidebook, The 201 Best Colleges for the Real World.
Such public acclaim is helping Huntington attract greater numbers of well-qualified students. The 2001 freshman class has both the second highest average ACT score and the second highest overall GPA on record, said Huntington College president G. Blair Dowden. We expect to see some exceptional campus leaders emerge from their ranks.
This fall, Huntington College enrolled 271 new students, an increase of 13% over last year and another all-time record. Forty-one upperclassmen from other colleges and universities transferred to Huntington College this fall.
Survey data indicate that Huntington College students are more highly satisfied with their educational experience than students at other institutions. The Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI), a tool used by colleges and universities nationwide and administered at HC annually since 1993, allows students to express where they think their school is strong "or weak. Students give HC gold stars in every area, but at the top of the list are several key indicators: tuition value, campus safety, faculty knowledge, spiritual and intellectual growth, a better understanding of God, and an overall enjoyable experience.
Results of the survey over last seven years indicate students are now more satisfied with their HC experience, and that Huntington College is at the top when compared with other institutions of all kinds, says Joanne Miller, director of retention.
Huntington College's mission is to educate men and women to impact our world for Christ. The comprehensive, four-year college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nearly 50 academic concentrations. Huntington College (www.huntington.edu) is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana.
