college mcp-logo-header-white mcpherson

McPherson College Announces Another Semester of Record Enrollment

Freshman Class 2024

McPherson College is reporting record enrollment for the fifth year in a row bolstered by a new student cohort of 300 and an increase in overall retention. Enrollment was confirmed on Friday, September 11, which marked the point when enrollment numbers become official for the fall semester.

Total headcount for the college is 864, and fall-to-fall retention increased to 76 percent. Total headcount includes 790 full-time degree-seeking students, 25 graduate students, as well as part-time students.

“McPherson College continues to make great progress despite the challenges of this year,” President Michael Schneider said. “Our Student Debt Project and Bulldog Adventures programs encourage students to return to McPherson College, and new academic programs like Health Sciences are attracting new students.”

In its second full year, the Student Debt Project has more than doubled in size with more than 200 student participating. The program combines financial literacy, mentoring, and matching funds supporting students on a path to zero student debt. Last year, students in the program reduced their average projected debt by $10,000.

“When you add the Student Debt Project to our success placing graduates in jobs, students and families are recognizing that McPherson College offers a solid foundation for success,” President Schneider said.

Bulldog Adventures, a program introduced last year, provides opportunities for students to get out and explore Kansas. Offering activities like hiking, float trips, a fishing derby, and lawn games, Bulldog Adventures utilizes outdoor spaces in and around campus to engage students and develop leadership skills. In addition to the monthly adventures planned for this year, the program will also offer students the option to build their own adventures with gear provided by the college.

McPherson College introduced a new academic program this fall that offers majors in health science and healthcare management for students interested in areas of allied health. The Health Science program offers students field experience with community partners to gain real-world training in a variety of health care professions. There are 30 students in the program this fall including seven new Health Care Scholars who will participate in signature outreach experiences.