Eastern University’s Fall 2024 enrollment totaled 8,727 students, up 25 percent from Fall 2023. As national first-year student enrollment numbers declined by nearly six percent, Eastern University continues to expand, reaching more students than ever who are pursuing an education grounded in Faith, Reason, and Justice. Enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs has climbed.

Due to the addition of many new innovative programs over the last several years, the Christian university has seen its student body nearly triple since its pre-pandemic enrollment of 3,100 students in Fall 2019. Eastern’s faith-based mission has fueled the desire to create flexible and affordable new programs that meet student needs, as well as dynamic extracurricular activities that prepare students for lives of flourishing. The new programs have been extremely popular with students. 

Growth in Graduate and Online Undergraduate Programs

Graduate enrollment at Eastern was up 27 percent over last Fall, and online undergraduate enrollment was up 35 percent over last Fall. While many programs at Eastern have experienced growth over the last several years, the biggest increase has come from Eastern’s innovative online LifeFlex programs, which feature fully online, flexibly paced modalities with affordable tuition. 

Eastern’s LifeFlex programs currently include nine graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in business, data science, social work, nursing, therapy, and more. The university also offers eight online undergraduate LifeFlex programs in business, education, psychology, ministry, and liberal arts.

In addition to the LifeFlex programs, graduate programs in education also make up a large portion of Eastern’s growing student body, with a wide array of popular programs, including eight Master of Education programs and 25 teaching certification programs.

“The self-paced aspect of the MBA program is a lifesaver — the convenience of the program doesn’t compromise the quality of education I’m receiving,” said Robin Mercado, a LifeFlex MBA student. “As a single mother of three who works full-time, it’s the only way I would have been able to continue my education.”

Growth in Traditional (On-Campus) Undergraduate Programs

Enrollment in traditional (on-campus) undergraduate programs was up 11 percent over last year, reflecting the demand for excellent, Christ-centered education that is also accessible, engaging, and community-oriented. Over the last several years, Eastern has expanded its extracurricular offerings to include football, cheerleading, dance, marching band, and more. Additional clubs and ministries give students numerous opportunities for spiritual development, leadership, and service.

These engaging extracurricular activities have played a key role in enhancing campus life, attracting students, and providing communal spaces for students to grow and develop in transformative ways that bring the university’s mission to life. Eastern’s approach of focusing on students as whole persons resonates with families who are seeking an educational experience that nurtures multi-faceted student development while preparing graduates to have a meaningful impact on the world.

“Marching band has really embodied the spirit of family, faith, and love,” said Lakeem Davis, a first-year Marching Band student. “Being part of this groundbreaking group has been an honor and privilege; I can’t wait to see where this group goes in the coming years.”

Sustaining Eastern’s Growing Community

With increasing numbers comes a responsibility to support that growth, and that is what Eastern is doing with its “A Time to Rise” campaign, a $30 million comprehensive fundraising initiative that supports the university in key areas. The initiative is intended to enhance facilities, expand opportunities and experiences for students, enrich the learning experience through top-tier faculty and staff recruitment, and build out club, activity, and athletics offerings. So far, the university has raised slightly more than $20 million toward the campaign goal. 

“Sustaining our growth is a mission-driven top priority for us,” said Dr. Ronald Matthews, President of Eastern University. “We are grateful that our vision of being a listening, loving, learning, and leading institution is resonating with so many, and we thank God for each student who joins our amazing community. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our alumni and donors, whose support continues to play a crucial role in helping us build on the foundation they laid and support our growing student body.”

Looking to the Future

With enrollment at its highest point in Eastern’s history, the future is bright. University leaders have expressed a commitment to continued innovation and have several new academic and extracurricular programs planned to launch over the next several years.

“Institutions of higher learning have not always listened attentively to the voices of students and families,” said Dr. Kent Sparks, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Eastern. “Eastern is listening. These insights and research have helped us craft programs and academic experiences that address the authentic concerns and needs of our society. If we remain true to our values, I’m confident that Eastern University will continue to provide innovative academic programs that match the needs of students for generations to come.”

Learn more about Eastern University and how its core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational programs.

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