Despite the uncertain economy, Seattle Pacific University welcomed the largest incoming class in its 119-year history. A record 4,120 undergraduate and graduate students started classes September 27.
The following is a list of the record-setting enrollment statistics for Autumn 2010. All of these are new records for SPU.
- Total enrollment: 4,120 (undergraduate and graduate students)
- Undergraduates only: 3,158 (freshmen, transfers, continuing, non-matriculated, post-baccalaureate)
- New students (high school and transfer students): 960
- Graduate students (master, doctoral, non-matriculated): 962
- Persistence rate (last year’s freshmen returning as sophomores): 88 percent
- Average SAT score: 1149 (up from last year’s score of 1122)
The Class of 2014 is made up of 23 percent ethnic minority students. This is the second year in a row when the ethnic minority rate has exceeded 20 percent.
Why the strong numbers? Director of Undergraduate Admissions Jobe Korb-Nice says Seattle Pacific’s reputation for strong academics and its focus on community involvement are resonating with students.
“Students and families understand the clear benefits of a teaching university, and we have some of the very best faculty,” says Korb-Nice. “We are also a mission driven community, so connecting great academics and a clear sense of purpose creates quite a dynamic environment.”
Korb-Nice adds that the university provided generous financial aid opportunities, and worked closely with families and students wanting to come to SPU.
Posted: Wednesday, September 29, 2010