Record-breaking Incoming Class Boosts Enrollment to Highest Level in University History
For the first time in its 104-year history, Colorado Christian University welcomed more than 500 new freshman and transfer students to the College of Undergraduate Studies. The record-breaking incoming class continues a nine-year trend of enrollment increases at the Lakewood campus, boosting the University's total traditional undergraduate enrollment to more than 1,400 students for the first time.
The milestone marks a 60 percent increase in total traditional undergraduate enrollment since 2009.
"Adding almost 600 students to the student body since 2009 has provided the University with a more diverse student body that has contributed widely to the student experience at CCU," Jim McCormick, vice president of Enrollment and Student Life, said. "With retention rising to over 80 percent for freshmen, the student body continues to strengthen in academic excellence."
The incoming class is not only the largest on record, but also the most academically accomplished to date, with an average ACT score of 25 and high school GPA of 3.7. This is an increase of nearly five points for average ACT scores since 2010.
"This growth is affirmation of the outstanding, top-notch, quality education that our faculty deliver. Our holistic education of uncompromising faith in Jesus Christ integrated within our curriculum is proving to be of great demand in university education. We are humbled that many parents throughout this nation have chosen to entrust their children, indeed, our future in this world, to CCU," said Dr. Kyle Usrey, vice president of Academic Affairs.
Helping drive the University's traditional undergraduate growth has been increased enrollment in science and engineering programs. Since 2014, enrollment in health sciences, pre-medicine, biology, engineering, and science programs more than doubled, prompting the formation of the new School of Science and Engineering in the spring of 2018.
"CCU is a hidden gem in higher education. With outstanding academic programs and faculty coupled with our beautiful location on Colorado's front range, the University offers something very special," said Jo Leda Martin, director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. "Most importantly, the University has remained true to our mission to provide Christ-centered higher education that transforms students to impact the world with grace and truth, and we believe our continued growth has been a reflection of this."
To mark reaching the 1,400 student mark, a $1,400 one-time scholarship will be awarded to Hannah Bissonnette, an Elementary Education major from Littleton, Colorado, and graduate of Jeffco's 21st Century Virtual Academy. Bissonnette will be honored as the University's 1,400th undergraduate student at the annual Call to Community service marking the beginning of the academic year.
The rapid growth has been matched by a comprehensive buildout and redevelopment of Colorado Christian University's main campus. Recent projects have included Leprino Hall, a new academic building; Yetter Hall, a new residence hall; and the Anschutz Student Center. Rockmont Hall, CCU's second new residence hall, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed prior to Fall 2019. The Armstrong Center and a second academic building are also slated for future construction.