Huntington University announces record enrollment

Huntington, Ind.-Huntington University has a record enrollment of 1,084 for the fall semester of the 2006-2007 school year and achieved a 10 percent increase in its freshman class.

"Several factors contributed to our record enrollment," said Jeff Berggren, vice president of enrollment management and marketing. "Our new academic programs accounted for a significant part of the increase in our freshman class over last fall. Affordability was also a significant factor. Our tuition has risen only two percent since the fall of 2004, which has helped keep Huntington University more affordable for families."

The incoming class of new traditional undergraduate students is the largest on record. The Christian liberal arts college enrolled 251 first-time freshmen this fall, 10 percent more than last year and exceeding the previous record of 240 set in 2002.

The reach of the institution also is expanding. Distinctive academic programs have attracted students from 30 states. This fall, 36 international students have come to Huntington University from 16 countries.

"When asked why they chose Huntington University, the most consistent theme with these students is our unique academic programs," Berggren said. "For example, our major in digital media arts brought students from places like California, Texas and Maine. Film studies attracted a student from Alaska, and theatre design and technology brought a student from Montana."

"We also had an increase in the number of missionary or third-culture students, and they tend to have home bases all around the United States," Berggren added.

"Enrollment will continue to be a major focus of our entire campus community," said Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University. "Our Strategic Plan sets forth the ambitious target of 2,000 students by 2016. With our increase to nearly 1,100 students this fall and our new nursing program on the horizon, we are making good progress toward our goal."