First day of classes welcomes more than 1,400 new freshmen to campus
Don’t call it a “small, liberal arts college” anymore. Today Belmont University announced a Fall 2014 enrollment of 7,301 students, putting the thriving University at more than double its enrollment from 2000 (2,976 students) and up 5.5 percent from last fall’s total of 6,915. Applications for undergraduate and graduate admissions for Fall 2014 also saw an increase of 12.5 percent and resulted in the University’s largest freshman class to date with 1,420 students.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “It’s both humbling and gratifying to see the number of students who want to come to Belmont to learn and discover their life purpose. These are individuals from all walks of life and many corners of the globe who aren’t thinking only of future careers but are embracing this University’s mission to engage and transform the world with their passions, skills and talents. I’m proud to welcome them to their new home and thankful they’ve chosen to be Belmont Bruins.”
In addition to incoming freshmen, Belmont also welcomed 508 new transfer students to campus this week, marking a total number of nearly 2,000 new undergraduates. The student body currently consists of 5,898 undergraduate students and 1,403 pursuing graduate/professional paths.
Associate Provost and Dean of Enrollment David Mee added, “We are very pleased with the fall 2014 admissions cycle. The entire University is involved in helping Belmont maintain the kind of momentum that has resulted in growing national recognition, enhanced experiences for our students and phenomenal growth during a period of stagnant enrollment across much of higher education nationally. Belmont is a unique story – one highlighted by a daily commitment to living out our mission and values. And by doing so, students continue to be attracted to Belmont and Nashville from all 50 states and many countries, and in record numbers. Nearly 2,000 new undergraduates alone just arrived at Belmont, and that is wonderful news for both the University and Nashville.”
This year’s incoming freshman class hails from 48 states and represents 13 foreign countries, with 73 percent of the class originating from outside of Tennessee. As a group, Belmont’s Class of 2018 scored an average of 26 on the ACT and held an average high school GPA of 3.52. Thirty-three percent were in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, with 61 percent in the top quarter of those who submitted a class ranking. Belmont is also happy to welcome 34 valedictorians and nine salutatorians to its Class of 2018.
With the opening this fall of the Wedgewood Academic Center and Chapel as well as the Two Oaks residence hall, Belmont is investing in academic and residential space to accommodate its increased enrollment while still keeping its Christian mission at the forefront. Belmont’s total investment in campus expansion since 2000 now exceeds $512 million with a new Academic and Dining Services building currently under construction and slated to open in Fall 2015.
Final Fall 2014 enrollment figures won’t be available until mid-September following the university’s official drop/add/withdraw period.
