The fall 2008 Bethel University enrollment numbers show a 4.0 percent combined increase in enrollment in the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult & Professional Studies, and Graduate School over one year ago. Total enrollment of 4,337 was measured on the 10^th day of class—a widely practiced standard for assessing enrollment, allowing for initial changes that occur the first few days of class. The enrollment figures do not include the seminary.

Enrollment in the Graduate School increased at the most rapid pace, up 12.9 percent from the same point last year to a total of 943 students. College of Adult & Professional Studies enrollment was 602, a jump of 7.3 percent from last fall. Total College of Arts & Sciences enrollment is 2,792, 0.7 percent higher than 2,773 in fall 2007.

“It is exciting to see increases in enrollment across all schools in the university,” says Deb Harless, acting provost for the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult & Professional Studies, and Graduate School. “We are clearly in the midst of very challenging economic times. Before making the choice to come to Bethel, students and parents are carefully examining many college options, and they are also making considerable financial sacrifices to attend Bethel. Our admissions offices have worked hard to make the admissions process a very clear and easily accessible process.”

In addition, a record percentage of students are continuing in the College of Arts & Sciences this year. A total of 1,933 students returned this fall, resulting in a record spring-to-fall return rate of 90.5 percent. This compares with the previous record of 89.9 percent, set last fall.

“Bethel's extraordinary retention numbers indicate that once students enroll at Bethel they find it to be a place where they indeed choose to stay to complete their degree,” says Harless. “We’re grateful for the commitment to excellence by the faculty, staff, and administration in providing a life-changing educational experience for students.”

The 10^th day of class for Bethel Seminary is Friday, October 3; the seminary’s fall enrollment numbers will be reported shortly after that.