Belmont Abbey College Celebrates the Largest Total Enrollment in Over a Decade
Belmont Abbey College Celebrates the Largest Total Enrollment in Over a Decade
For Immediate Release – Belmont, N.C. (September 18, 2023) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces its largest total enrollment in over a decade and the fourth highest total enrollment in college history. Cumulating at a total of 1,654 enrolled students, this includes the traditional undergraduate, online undergraduate, dual-enrolled, non-degree seeking, and graduate populations. The private, Catholic, liberal arts institution reports a 9.5% increase in total student enrollment compared to fall 2022. This growth comes despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic and a decrease incollege enrollment among high school students nationwide in recent years. Growth extends to graduate studies as the college launches four new graduate programs in 2023 and welcomes those inaugural student cohorts.
Classes began on August 21st, and Belmont Abbey College welcomed 397 first-time degree seeking students. Julie Fleming, Director of Admissions at Belmont Abbey College, expresses her enthusiasm about the new class. “We have a special community at Belmont Abbey, and we are passionate about finding new students that support the mission and values of this institution. This new class of students is incredibly talented, and I know that they will use their skills, talents, and abilities to make a positive impact on campus and on society at large,” Fleming said.
The fall 2023 first-time, first-year degree cohort comes to Belmont Abbey with an impressive academic record and strong ties to leadership, athletics, and civic engagement. Results from a survey of the incoming class reveal that 85% participated in athletics with 75% serving as team captains. Additionally, 44% participated in community service work including local park and river clean up and working with children and youth at summer camps. Lastly, 29% are members of National Honor Societies and almost one quarter of the incoming students report being the first in their families to attend a four-year college. These qualities are a reflection of the college’s core values to welcome a diverse student body. “We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic class of individuals and we look forward to building relationships with them over their four years here. We know that with mentorship from our faculty and spiritual guidance from Campus ministry, the monastic community, and campus leaders, these students will develop into strong advocates and leaders that will make the world a better place,” says Dr. Travis Feezell, Provost at Belmont Abbey College.
Ranked #3 in Undergraduate Teaching in the South by U.S. News & World Report, the college consistently holds a top position in this category due to the holistic teaching approach that relies on exceptional faculty. Also ranked #17 in Best Value Schools in the South, Belmont Abbey is committed to making quality, private education affordable for all students. These new students are coming to Belmont Abbey during a time of exceptional growth. The college recently added new Undergraduate and Graduate programs, 4+1 pathway options for students, and enhancements to its dual enrollment programs. The campus community recently celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Wittenberg-Shevchenko Microbiology Lab, made possible through the generosity of Dr. Peter and Betty-Ann Wittenberg. Construction on two new residence halls and the Dining Hall are nearing completion, and a new astro turf sports complex is expected to open on campus in 2024. For more information on these initiatives, visit our website at www.bac.edu/.
About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit
https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
