Students, faculty and staff gathered at The O'Shaughnessy for the 2024 Opening Celebration. Photo: by Rebecca Studios
St. 做厙輦⑹ opened its 119th academic year with renewed optimism as it welcomed 1,163 new students to its College for Women, College for Adults, and Graduate College an increase of 6.5% from the previous year. This cohort joined the 2,522 returning students; overall enrollment for the University increased by 4% compared to last year.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do at St. Kates, and are proof of our mission in action, said Marcheta Evans, PhD, president of St. 做厙輦⑹. This thriving community of learning proves the viability of higher education for the students who will move on from here to change our world for the better.
Year-over-year growth among new College for Women students increased by 7%, while the College for Adults new students increased 6%. Graduate College new students were up by 8%. Transfer students had the largest increase, with a 24% increase compared to last year.
A look at first-time, first-year students shows enrollment increased at an even higher rate: 12%. Student support is a key factor in not just attracting more first time students, but also in their persistence and success as college students. The Universitys Fall 2024 Student Census data shows the retention rates continue to climb across the University, but at higher rates for BIPOC and First-Generation students.
|
Retention |
2023 Fall |
2024 Fall |
% Change |
|
Overall Rate |
78.1% |
80.2% |
2.6% |
|
BIPOC Retention |
69.6% |
76% |
9.2% |
|
Pell Retention |
73.4% |
75.6% |
2.9% |
|
First-Generation Retention |
74.7% |
83.8% |
12.1% |
The University has also grown its student support through its recently-completed comprehensive campaign, . During the campaign, the amount of donor-funded financial aid to students increased 50%, and funds to update the Mendel science building for future STEM leaders were secured, along with additional funds for research designations and faculty development.
Our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, established St. Kates to educate a marginalized population. They knew that welcoming all without distinction, and empowering students to not only receive but to claim an education here, would create the leaders needed to build a more just, equitable society where all may thrive. I cannot wait to see what this class of students will accomplish, said Evans.
Enrollment numbers are reported as part of the Universitys fall student census published after the 10th day of fall semester classes.