Defying national trends of declining enrollment, particularly at small colleges, Arizona Christian University reached record enrollment again this fall with a 6 percent increase over fall 2014.
“While we are blessed by this continued growth, we are even more excited about the quality of our educational product and the consistent and authentic Christian community we are able to provide at ACU,” said President Len Munsil. “Our students will not get lost in a crowd of tens of thousands of students, and our small class sizes enable us to focus on bringing out each student’s best – educationally and spiritually.”
Arizona Christian University is the only Christian college in Arizona listed among the top 50 in the nation, and was also noted by Business Insider for being the most selective college of any kind in the state of Arizona, putting ACU on a list with numerous Ivy League schools.
Remaining faithful to its Bible college heritage, ACU is the only accredited Christian university in Arizona that provides all students with 18 hours of Bible instruction, two chapels each week and spiritual formation accountability, all while embracing a Christian faith commitment for all staff, faculty, students and Trustees.
“We are excited to see ACU begin to be recognized nationally for the excellence of our academic programs and the quality of our community,” President Munsil said. “Even as we grow, we expect our national reputation to increase as we remain committed to our mission of preparing Christian leaders to engage culture.”
ACU’s national and international visibility is reflected in a community that features students from 31 states and 14 foreign countries.
Nationally, total college enrollment was down 2 percent and declined for the fifth straight year. During this same 5-year period of declining enrollment nationally, Arizona Christian University total enrollment has increased 68 percent from 464 to 781 students. In the past decade, ACU’s enrollment has nearly tripled from 281 students to today’s enrollment nearing 800 students.
ACU’s momentum and growth during the past year includes a new agreement with Arizona State University that expands options for ACU biology students.
The enrollment in ACU’s Degree Completion Program is also at an all-time high, with a 65 percent increase over last year. New this fall, ACU’s Degree Completion Program is offering classes at an East Valley satellite location in Chandler.
This year also marks ACU’s 2nd highest year ever for dual enrollment, with a 14 percent increase over last year. ACU is partnering with six Christian high schools so students are able to earn ACU credit for courses they are taking on their high school campuses.
ACU is already preparing for next year, having received a record number of applications through September for Fall 2016 enrollment. High school seniors should begin the application process for ACU now to have the best chance of being admitted and receiving scholarships for the Class of 2020, and can apply HERE.
Working adults who want to complete their bachelor’s degree through our accelerated Degree Completion Program, can apply HERE.