Here we grow again: Lander begins fall 2025 with record-setting enrollment

Lander University is once again shattering enrollment records, launching the 2025-26 academic year with the most students in the University’s 153-year history. This marks the 10th consecutive year of growth for the institution, and the seventh year in a row with record enrollment.

Following the first week of classes, Lander’s total enrollment is 4,589, up 5.9% over last year at the same point in cycle and surpassing the University’s goal of 4,500 students. Fueling this tremendous growth is another record-setting achievement: Lander’s largest-ever class of first-time freshmen. With 1,031 members, the Class of 2029 represents a growth of approximately 21.7% over last year’s freshman class.

Lander University President Richard Cosentino called the historical growth a “remarkable milestone” for the institution.

“The strategic, steady growth we have experienced over the past decade is a testament to Lander University’s reputation for delivering an exceptional education and student experience,” he said. “More students than ever before are choosing Lander for our outstanding faculty and innovative programs.

Our hands-on learning opportunities and internship programs with valued community partners are helping to prepare our students for success as they step into their careers or continue on to graduate school.”

Meet the Class of 2029

From small towns to large cities, this year’s incoming freshmen arrive at Lander from 307 high schools around the globe, representing nearly every county in South Carolina, 28 U.S. states and 12 countries. Collectively, out-of-state freshmen have traveled approximately 59,000 total miles to reach the Greenwood campus, while international students have logged almost 88,000 total miles.

The University’s signature programs in nursing, business and education remain the most popular fields of study, with biology and psychology rising into the top five major groups. When it comes to names, Madison, Emma and Olivia are leading the way among the newest Bearcats.

The Class of 2029 is also among the most academically prepared for college. With an average weighted GPA of 3.9, Lander freshmen bring a total of 6,794 hours of college credit earned while in high school – the equivalent of 58 college degrees.

A Growing Campus

With enrollment increasing year over year, Lander is investing millions of dollars into campus infrastructure – including new facilities – to support the growing student population. Among the major expansions on the horizon are the University’s new Nursing Experiential Learning Center, slated to open in Fall 2026, and the new Information Commons, which will break ground later this year.

Supporting students in the classroom has also remained a priority, and the University undertook an academic restructuring over the summer to better align colleges and departments for career-focused education and success. Additionally, nearly 30 new full-time faculty members were added this fall.

“Our continued growth means more students from across South Carolina, the United States and beyond are receiving the superior education and experience offered at Lander,” said Dr. Todd Gambill, vice president for Enrollment and Access Management. “Attending Lander affords students access to top-notch academics, plus a vibrant student life. We are thrilled the biggest-ever class of freshmen is here to experience it.”