EMU is proud to announce the results of its annual fall census, which was conducted on Sept. 8 following the 10th day of classes. The census numbers reflect undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree and non-credit enrollment on the Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, campuses for the Fall 2025 semester.

Among the main takeaways from the census data:

• A 10% increase in the size of the incoming undergraduate class, which includes first-year, transfer, readmitted, and aviation students, from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 (from 218 to 239 students). 
• An 11% increase in the number of new first-year undergraduate students since last fall (from 160 to 178 students).
• A historically high percentage (48%) of first-year undergraduate students identify as first-generation college students (up from 35% last year).
• Another record high, nearly half (49%) of the incoming class is made up of student-athletes (up from 46%).

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated enrollment teams, and the unwavering support from faculty, staff, and the entire EMU community, we are seeing an increase in our incoming undergraduate enrollment numbers for the first time since the pandemic in 2020,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MA ’21, vice president for enrollment and marketing at EMU. “Amid the headwinds that continue to buffet higher education today, we celebrate that more students are choosing EMU to help them fulfill their educational and professional goals, beginning their journeys as unifying leaders with us.”

Among the incoming Class of 2029:

• 43% identify as students of color (among the most diverse in EMU history);
• 73% hail from Virginia, with more than 20% from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County;
• 15 states, Puerto Rico, and four countries are represented; and 
• the average GPA is 3.49 (unchanged from last year), with nearly one-fourth of students entering EMU with at least 10 college credits.

The top three majors of the incoming class, starting from the most popular, are nursing, biology, and business administration. 

While a total 730 students make up the undergraduate student body, 358 graduate students are enrolled at EMU, including 126 new grad students joining the university this semester. Graduate programs that saw the largest gains since last year are Biomedicine (up 45% to 16 new students), Seminary (up 41% to 17 new students, boosted by its new Doctor of Ministry program), and Graduate Teacher Education (up 4% to 43 new students). Students in EMU’s graduate programs represent 20 states and five countries.

Thirty-five educators are renewing their licensure this year (compared to 22 last year) through EMU’s Graduate Teacher Education program. 

EMU’s four-year and six-year graduation rates are 55% and 60%, respectively. Fall 2025 marks the seventh consecutive year that the university’s retention rate, which is generally used as a gauge of student satisfaction, has measured 74% or higher.

“Now more than ever before, the world needs EMU graduates—leaders specially trained to serve as bridge builders and peacemakers,” said Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham. “It’s gratifying to see our students continue to answer that call and equip the skills needed to make positive change in our world.”

The census numbers, collected on Sept. 9, represent undergraduate, graduate, non-degree and non-credit enrollment on the main Harrisonburg, Virginia, campus and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, site for fall 2024.

“Amidst a challenging higher education environment, I am delighted that EMU is seeing growth in areas that reflect our shared values and ongoing commitment to belonging,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MA ’21, vice president for enrollment. “It is important to note that while we are reporting our fall enrollment in aggregate, each number represents an individual student who has chosen EMU to be the catalyst of their bright futures. It is a choice we celebrate and a responsibility we take seriously. We will continue to deliver an exceptional education experience that is accessible for them and for all students interested in becoming unifying leaders.”

Explore more data 
in the EMU Fact Book.

The number of incoming students in the aviation program at EMU at Lancaster surged from 9 to 23 (a 155% increase from last year), contributing to a total undergraduate enrollment of 755 students and an incoming class enrollment of 183 students. The Class of 2028 represents 15 states/territories and 10 countries and includes 34% of students who identify as first-generation and 53% who identify as people of color (a roughly 10% increase from last year). Of the incoming class, 43% are athletes.

Top areas of study, starting from most popular, include nursing, business and leadership, STEM, aviation, and education. The Intensive English Program realized an 18% enrollment increase from 84 to 99 students.

This year at least 32 teachers from the Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County public school divisions are renewing their licensure through the Graduate Teacher Education program, further demonstrating EMU’s commitment to community partnerships.

EMU’s retention rate, which is generally used as a gauge of student satisfaction, remains high. According to census data, 76% of the first-year undergraduate students who entered in fall 2023 continued their studies at EMU this semester. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the rate has measured 75% or higher.

“Our retention rate continues to soar above the national average,” said Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham. “Achieving this for six consecutive years is a feat. EMU’s collaborative approach, involving various departments working in synergy, ensures that students receive comprehensive support and have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”

EMU’s eight graduate programs, which include Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, continue to draw exceptional candidates with total full-time equivalent enrollment at 225 students. The number of new graduate students, including part-time and full-time students, is up by 30%. Those 108 degree-seeking students in the incoming graduate class represent 17 states and 16 countries.

The census data, collected on Sept. 10, reflect undergraduate, graduate, dual and non-credit enrollment on the main Harrisonburg campus and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, site for fall 2023.

“I am pleased to see increases in the number of transfer students, full-time graduate students, and in specific undergraduate and graduate program areas,” said Mary Krahn Jensen, vice president for enrollment and strategic growth. “EMU has worked diligently to attract a diverse and talented pool of students who will contribute to the vibrancy of our campus.”

The number of incoming transfer students was up by 60 percent, contributing to a total undergraduate enrollment of 801 students and an incoming class enrollment of 236 students. The class of 2027 represents 18 states and six countries and includes 35 percent of students who identify as first-generation (an increase from last year) and 44 percent who identify as BIPOC.

Top majors include nursing and psychology followed by business administration and a cluster of STEM-related fields: biology, computer science, pre-professional health and engineering. IEP realized a nine-percent enrollment increase from 77 to 84 students.

“EMU continues to invest in strategic ways to help all of our students succeed and ultimately graduate. While there is no one-size-fits-all strategy to student success, many departments across campus work closely with one another to help our students ‘find their ROAR’ at EMU,” said Zach Yoder, assistant provost for student success. “In addition, this year marks the fifth consecutive year that we have had a 75 percent or higher first-year student retention rate.”

Full-time graduate students rose from 218 to 221 with increases in the biomedicine, counseling and nursing programs. Combined graduate and seminary enrollment stands at 462 students.

A total of 1,870 students registered for class at the beginning of the fall semester – a 4.4 percent increase over last fall’s 1,789. The number includes the traditional undergraduate population as well as graduate students, seminarians, working adults who are completing college degrees, and English-language students. Among the total enrollment figure are students at , Pennsylvania, and those who study online.

As for diversity, 36 percent of this fall’s undergraduate students are non-white and/or non-American. That number is up from 29 percent a year ago and 11 percent in 2002. This fall 31 percent of the undergraduate students are African-American, Hispanic, Asian and other minorities; 6 percent are international students.

“EMU is now one of the most diverse liberal arts schools in Virginia,” said , vice-president for enrollment. “Greater diversity will, of course, enhance the university experience for all of our students, developing their critical-thinking abilities and emotional intelligence.”

The traditional undergraduate enrollment this fall of 953 is an increase of 2.2 percent from last year’s 932. This is the sixth year in a row that number has increased. EMU’s incoming first-year class of 243 students is the largest since the 1990s.

Much of EMU’s enrollment growth in the last 20 years – since it took the “university” name – is due to the establishment of graduate programs and the . But now the increase in traditional undergraduate students is adding to the overall growth as well.

Keeping the students at EMU from year to year is also important, and this fall a high percentage re-enrolled, thanks in part to the efforts of , a former public school teacher who came to EMU last January as the university’s director of retention.

Eastern Mennonite ’s enrollment held steady this fall, with a small decrease in the total number of students to 133, but a slight increase in the full-time-equivalent number. This past summer the United Methodist Church re-approved EMS – for another four years − for the training of its pastors. The number of United Methodists at EMS increased to 30 this fall.

The other graduate programs, now numbering eight, grew 3.1 percent this fall. The total number of students is 356, compared to last year’s 345.

Three debuted this year – , , and a , the latter operated with two sister Mennonite colleges, Goshen College in Indiana and Bluffton University in Ohio.

The − for working nurses, many of whom study online − is the fastest-growing graduate program at EMU. The and also added more students this fall. The and programs held steady.

Showing a decrease in numbers was the large for teachers, offered at EMU and in Pennsylvania. The decrease in teachers seeking a master’s degree may be because state governments are cutting funds to help educators continue their education, EMU officials said.

The overall number of students enrolled through EMU’s Lancaster campus in Pennsylvania increased this fall from 228 to 257. That includes teachers seeking a master’s degree in education, nurses who want to complete their undergraduate degree, and pastors and future pastors who aspire to a .

The at EMU continues to attract strong interest from international students and local immigrants. IEP prepares them for entrance into American colleges and universities. This fall’s student number is 86.

Total undergraduate, graduate and seminary enrollment was 1,605, compared to 1,589 last fall, according to figures released by , university registrar. EMU had a fall enrollment of 1,578 in 2009.

“Our large first-year enrollment indicates more and more prospective students and their parents feel excited about the unique education EMU offers,” said , vice president for enrollment.

Growth in Counseling, IEP, Seminary

The MA in counseling program experienced the largest jump among graduate programs from last fall. Total enrollment ballooned by 16 percent to 69 students.

The growth in the MA in Counseling program has allowed us to brainstorm new and creative options—including the Institute for Experiential Therapies—for providing training to non matriculated students interested in growth coursework,” said , PhD, director of the program. “Our students come to us at all phases of life and their commitment to self-progression and professional development is an inspiration.”

The Intensive English Program (IEP), which prepares international students for further academic study, has 28 full- and 26 part-time students this fall. The students hail from 17 countries.

“IEP students participate in extracurricular activities and the ‘conversation partner’ program,” said , director of IEP. “Their unique cultural perspectives make all of us more aware of the world we live in.”

Eastern Mennonite Seminary, a graduate program of theological studies at EMU, also experienced an increase in enrollment from last fall.

“Across our main campus, EMU at Lancaster and online we are close to record enrollment at 157 students,” said , vice president and seminary dean. “We’re delighted to have them among us, bringing new energy, vision and gifts to enrich our community and the ministries to which they’re called.”

The M.A. in education program had 146 students enrolled, counting both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster, Pa., campuses. The program had 152 last fall. The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) has a total of 59 students enrolled in the graduate program in conflict transformation, down one from last fall.

The has 28 students compared to 32 a year ago.

Strong academic class

Stephanie C. Shafer, director of undergraduate admissions, said that EMU’s first-year class represents 16 states, with Virginia heading the list with 51 percent of the class. Pennsylvania follows with 20 percent. This is on par with last year.

“The SAT average score for new students is 1,064 points, holding steady with last year, and the average GPA is 3.52,” said Shafer, adding that “we have 25 students in our honors program.”

Traditional undergraduate enrollment – first-year through seniors – totals 889 students, compared to 881 last fall.

The appointment was announced Wednesday, Jan. 26, by EMU President Loren Swartzendruber.

In his new role, a president’s cabinet-level position, Hartman will oversee the departments of admissions and financial aid. He will also lead student retention activities for the university.

“I am very pleased that Luke is returning to his alma mater in this very important role,” Dr. Swartzendruber said. “His experience as a faculty member, success in recruiting as a coach and understanding of the admissions process will serve us well.”

Hartman has been assistant principal at Skyline Middle School in Harrisonburg since 2008. Before this, he was educational consultant for Harrisonburg City Public Schools three years. He taught two years in EMU’s teacher education department and has also been a graduate education instructor for EMU’s Lancaster, Pa., masters in education program since 2003.

Before returning to Harrisonburg, Hartman was associate director of admissions at Hesston College,  1999-2004, and men’s varsity basketball coach there, 1996-2004. He chaired the Hesston College faculty in 2001 and taught in the education department there eight years. He currently serves on the Hesston College board of overseers.

Earlier, he was boy’s varsity assistant coach at Harrisonburg High School, a special education teacher and boy’s varsity basketball coach at Broadway High School and head eighth grade basketball coach at John C. Myers Middle School, Broadway.

He earned an AA degree from Hesston College, a BS degree in liberal arts with endorsement in special  education from EMU in 1991, an MEd degree from Wichita State University with emphasis in mild handicapping conditions and is currently completing a PhD program in educational leadership and social policy at Virginia Tech.

Hartman is a popular public speaker at youth rallies, spiritual life week events and church retreats. He was keynote speaker for National Mennonite Youth Conventions held in 2003, 2005 and 2007. He has directed or been major lecturer at basketball camps and coaching clinics from 1991 to the present.

He is a member of Lindale Mennonite Church.

Hartman is married to Staci Kauffman Hartman, a 1993 EMU graduate. She is a reading coach at Spotswood Elementary School, Harrisonburg.

Their children are Sarina, 16; Sophia, 13; and Sarah, 8.

EMU has 219 first-year students enrolled the fall semester compared to 185 last fall. Traditional full-time undergraduate enrollment – first-year through seniors – totals 847 students, compared to 831 last fall.

EMU has a total undergraduate, graduate and seminary enrollment of 1,578 students compared to 1,439 last fall, according to figures released by David A. Detrow, university registrar. The increase in total enrollment from last year is due in part to the timing by which students in the graduate education and Adult Degree Completion Program begin their studies.

Largest class in 10 years

Lisa M. Rodino, associate director of undergraduate admissions, said EMU welcomed its largest class of 219 first-year students in almost 10 years. The class represents 21 states and 6 countries, with Virginia heading the list with 50 percent of the class. Pennsylvania follows with 22 percent and Ohio with 7 percent.

"The SAT average score for new students is 1075, up from last year’s average of 1060. The average GPA is 3.4, holding steady from last year," said Rodino, adding that "we have 18 students in our honors program."

The Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP), an accelerated, non-traditional baccalaureate degree program, reported a total of 175 students at both sites – Harrisonburg and Lancaster, Pa., this fall.

Some 61 international students are enrolled this fall in undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs. Approximately 51 percent of full-time undergraduate students are from Mennonite or Mennonite-related groups.

The Intensive English Program (IEP), which prepares students for undergraduate collegiate work, has 36 students this fall. The students hail from approximately 15 countries.

Graduate programs see small increases

Eastern Mennonite Seminary, a graduate program of theological studies on the EMU campus, has a total enrollment of 130 students this fall compared to 120 last fall.

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) has a total of 69 students enrolled, up two from last fall.

The M.A. in counseling program has a total enrollment of 40 students, up five from last fall, and the master of business administration (MBA) program has 39 students compared to 43 a year ago. The M.A. in education program has 79 students enrolled in Harrisonburg and 102 enrolled in Lancaster, Pa.

"It’s hard to adequately express my appreciation to everyone who worked so diligently to communicate the values of EMU to prospective students and their families," said EMU President Loren Swartzendruber. "In addition to the hard work of admissions officers and the many faculty members who made phone calls and other contacts, congratulations are in order to the financial assistance office personnel for the many hours given to students and families to meet the financial needs of our students, particularly in light of this past year’s economic environment," the president added.

EMU has a total undergraduate, graduate seminary enrollment of 1,553 students compared to 1,597 last fall, according to figures released by David A. Detrow, university registrar.

“EMU offers a wide range of academic programs including traditional undergraduate majors, four masters programs, a theological seminary, and a robust Adult Degree Completion Program,” said EMU President Loren Swartzendruber. “We are pleased with the quality of our students and look forward to educating them to serve and lead in a global context.”

Diversity Important On Campus

Some 55 international students are enrolled this fall in undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs. Approximately 49 percent of full-time undergraduate students are from Mennonite or Mennonite-related groups.

The Intensive English Program (IEP), which prepares international students for undergraduate collegiate work, has 15 full- and 19 part-time students this fall. The students hail from 15 countries.

“All EMU students can benefit from the diversity brought to campus by IEP students, who collaborate with some EMU undergraduate classes on special projects,” said R. Michael Medley, IEP director. “Through IEP’s conversation partners program, EMU students get a window other parts of the world in weekly informal discussions,” Dr. Medley added.

Graduate Enrollment Holds Steady

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP) has a total of 66 students enrolled, up six from last fall.

The M.A. in counseling program has a total enrollment of 37 students and the master of business administration (MBA) program has 43 students. The M.A. in education program has 75 students enrolled in Harrisonburg and 103 enrolled in Lancaster, Pa.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary, a graduate program of theological studies on the EMU campus, has a total enrollment of 121 students this fall compared to 136 last fall.

Small Drop in Undergraduates

Enrollment in graduate programs held relatively steady while records indicate a small drop in undergraduate numbers.

EMU has 185 first-year students enrolled the fall semester compared to 203 last fall. Traditional undergraduate enrollment – first-year through seniors – totals 858 students, compared to 900 last fall.

Stephanie C. Shafer, director of undergraduate admissions, said that EMU’s first-year class represents 19 states, with Virginia heading the list with 51 percent of the class. Pennsylvania follows with 22 percent, compared to 26 percent last year, she noted.

“The SAT average score for new students is 1,060 points, holding steady with last year, and the average GPA is 3.4,” said Shafer, adding that “we have 16 students in our honors program.”

Twenty-three percent of EMU’s first-year students this fall are from families where one or both parents attended Eastern Mennonite. By comparison, 8.8 percent of freshmen at four-year colleges nationwide attend the alma mater of a parent, according to the most recent available data extracted from the 2006 survey of 270,000 freshmen at 393 colleges by the (CIRP).

EMU’s rate of alumni loyalty is two to three times higher than other religious colleges. Twenty-three percent of EMU’s first-year students this fall are from families where one or both parents attended Eastern Mennonite.

Even when compared to other religious colleges, EMU’s rate of alumni loyalty is two to three times higher: In 2006, 32.7 percent of the freshmen at EMU were the sons and daughters of alumni, compared to 9.1 percent at other four-year religious colleges, according to the CIRP survey.

“When you experience something that truly moves you and you are certain it has changed your life for the better, you naturally want your children to have the same opportunity,” said David Troyer, a 1987 EMU graduate of Walnut Creek, Ohio.

Christ-centered College Experience

Troyer, who majored in business at EMU, operates successful businesses in Ohio and Florida, including restaurants, hotels and a retirement community. Troyer’s wife, Anna, graduated from EMU’s nursing program in 1999 as an adult student. Eldest son Derrick is a senior at EMU and second son Nicolas is a sophomore.

“Anna and I wanted a college experience for our sons that was Christ-centered in an atmosphere that encourages the exploration and deepening of their faith,” David Troyer said. “We also wanted them to have the opportunity to make life-time friends and form connections to the broader world through the global village requirements.”

David himself is the son of an EMU alumnus. His father, Levi, earned a two-year associate degree in 1967.

Enrollment Remains Steady

EMU has 203 first-year students enrolled the fall semester compared to 205 last fall. Traditional undergraduate enrollment – first-year through seniors – totals 900 students compared to 916 last fall.

Stephanie C. Shafer, director of undergraduate admissions, said that EMU’s first-year class represents 20 states, with Virginia heading the list with 46 percent of the class. Pennsylvania follows with 26 percent, up from 20 percent last year, she noted.

“SAT scores for new students are up by 19 points,” said Shaffer, noting that as another sign of academic strengthening, “we have 17 students in the honors program, compared to 12 last year.”

Some 80 international students are enrolled this fall in undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs. Approximately 54 percent of full-time undergraduate students are from Mennonite or Mennonite-related groups.

Other Programs

Eastern Mennonite Seminary, a graduate program of theological studies on the EMU campus, has a total enrollment of 136 students this fall compared to 114 last fall.

The Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP), an accelerated, non-traditional baccalaureate degree program, has a total of 142 students at both sites, Harrisonburg and Lancaster, Pa., an increase of four students over last year.

The Intensive English Program (IEP), which prepares international students for undergraduate collegiate work, has 17 full- and 17 part-time students this fall. The students hail from 20 countries.

“This semester we are hosting the largest group of international students since the fall of 1999,” said IEP director Michael Medley. “A big factor in our increase is the partnership we have established with James Madison University, which has given us a chance to serve students from Saudi Arabia and in the future, we hope, students from other countries as well.”

The Center for Justice and Peacebuilding has a total of 60 students enrolled, with fewer foreign students this year than in the past. Thirty percent of the incoming CJP students are internationals this fall, compared with 70 percent a year ago.

“The Fulbright program is no longer sending cohorts of international students to U.S. universities to study conflict transformation,” said EMU’s Fulbright student coordinator William Goldberg. “So we are getting only individual Fulbright students from overseas. An additional problem is that more of our international students are having trouble getting visas to study in the United States.”

The M.A. in counseling program has a total enrollment of 41 students and the master of business administration (MBA) program has 37 students. The M.A. in education program has 102 students enrolled in Harrisonburg and 100 enrolled in Lancaster, Pa. The total number of students in all of EMU’s graduate programs is 340, four more than a year ago.

EMU’s total enrollment of 1,597 students – undergraduate, seminary and graduate – is almost identical to last fall, according to figures released by David A. Detrow, university registrar.

“It is always exciting to welcome returning students back to campus and to get acquainted with those enrolling at EMU for the first time,” said EMU President Loren Swartzendruber. “We are pleased with the quality of students at EMU, and we look forward to a year of great energy.”

by Jeff Mellott, Daily News-Record

Securing a student visa to study in the United States already was getting harder by the time foreign terrorists flew jet airliners into the World Trade Center in September 2001.

The now-even-tougher visa stance by the U.S. government is contributing to a decline in foreign students studying in this country.

Anne Nyambura, 35, of Kenya and Andile Dube, 21, of Zimbabwe have both noticed the trend.

They both reported little trouble in getting visas to study at ��ݮ����, but the pair knew of others who were not as fortunate. “For most, it is not easy at all to get all the paperwork that you need to get into this country,” Dube said.

Some of Nyambura

The record total enrollment of 1,513 students – undergraduate, seminary and graduate – compares to 1,436 last fall, according to the university registrar’s office.

Total undergraduate enrollment numbers 933 students, compared to 922 a year ago. Of that total, 228 are first-year students, up 18 over last fall.

“The new first-year class has more racial/ethnic diversity than any previous class,” said Shirley B. Yoder, vice president for enrollment and marketing at EMU. “U.S. minorities make up 21 percent of this class, doubling the composition of the previous class.

“Until this year, we weren’t particularly successful in attracting local Spanish-speaking students,” Yoder said. “But this year, we are pleased to welcome a significant number to campus.”

The number of international students is down this fall, “due primarily to visa difficulties,” she added.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary, a graduate program of theological studies on the EMU campus, has 134 students enrolled this fall compared to 131 last fall. There are 74 students enrolled full time at EMS, two more than the same time last year.

Students in the university’s graduate programs continued modest growth, with 239 enrolled this fall over 229 last fall. The largest increase came in the M.A. in education program at EMU’s Lancaster, Pa., location, up 35 students, from 16 to 51 this fall.

The Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP), an accelerated, non-traditional baccalaureate degree program, has 94 students enrolled this fall on the Harrisonburg campus, down five from last fall, while the Lancaster campus’ ADCP program climbed from 27 to 40 students.

The Intensive English Program (IEP), which prepares international students for undergraduate collegiate work, has 38 full- and part-time students this fall, up eight over a year ago.