A First: Cedarville University Surpasses 5,000 Enrollment
For the first time in Cedarville University's 135-year history, more than 5,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. The 2022-23 enrollment of 5,082 is an increase of 367 students, or 7.8%, from last year's record 4,715 enrollment, and it represents the positive momentum that is taking place at Cedarville University.
Driving Cedarville’s 13th consecutive record enrollment were 1,139 first-time freshman students—the largest freshman class in the university’s history, up 17% from the previous year. The previous record for an incoming freshman class was 995 in 2019. Dual enrolled high school students and graduate students also increased to 672 and 542 respectively.
“God has granted us a privilege and responsibility to invest in the lives of this record-breaking number of students,” said Dr. Thomas White, president. "For our undergraduates, they have approximately 1,000 days on our campus, and we are committed to equipping each student for godly service and vocational distinction. Ultimately, we desire to glorify God through faithful stewardship of all the students that he has entrusted to us as they go on to serve as Christian leaders in business, healthcare, ministry and more."
Leaders at Cedarville believe the university's ability to become a niche school with a focus on biblical integration in the classroom, rigorous programs and thriving campus life are key reasons for Cedarville's steady growth among its student body.
According to Dr. Scott Van Loo, vice president for enrollment management, most incoming students chose Cedarville because of the university’s biblical worldview, the Bible minor built into every academic program and the daily chapel service with dynamic worship and impactful teaching.
“We’re an institution that is ‘for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ,’” said Van Loo. “Families and students are connecting with the values that make Cedarville distinctive.”
As Cedarville continues to experience record student enrollments, the university is also experiencing record fundraising opportunities through its One Thousand Days Transformed: The Campaign for Cedarville. Since publicly announcing the largest fundraising initiative in university history in October 2021, Cedarville has received $114.5 million in financial commitments, including a recent $8 million anonymous gift.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.
