MOBILE, Ala. – A record-breaking number of first-time freshmen with an overall 14% increase in new students, plus an impressive 72% retention rate, pushed enrollment growth at the University of Mobile to 1,916 students for fall semester 2023.
Here are enrollment highlights:
- UM’s fall semester 2023 enrollment of 1,916 students is an increase from 1,851 total students enrolled for fall 2022.
- The Christian university had a record-breaking number of first-time freshmen, with 288 enrolled. The previous record of 282 freshmen was set in 2015.
- Overall, the total number of new students including transfers was 418, up 14% from the previous year’s number of 369.
- UM’s 72% retention rate is far above the Alabama average of 66.25% overall and 69.75% for private universities in the state. The national average for private colleges is 68%.
A Total Team Effort
UM President Lonnie Burnett announced the enrollment numbers to faculty and staff during a Census Day celebration Aug. 28 in Dorsett Auditorium on campus. Census Day marks the end of the add/drop period when colleges tally their official enrollment.
“These numbers are the result of God being faithful and a lot of hard work – a total team effort,” Burnett told university employees. “This level of success involves marketing, enrollment counselors and staff, financial aid, business office, student success staff, student life staff, faculty and coaches.”
Experience the Difference
Burnett said the University of Mobile attracts students who want to experience the difference of quality academics with a faith-based approach, where faculty and staff are committed mentors who know their students.
“Prospective students visit many schools, most of which are just alike. When they come here, they see something truly different that appeals to them. It’s because of our product, our people and our purpose – what we call ‘Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,’” Burnett said.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher
Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their
future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.