ACU records largest spring enrollment in the school's history For Immediate Release Jan. 26, 2000 ABILENE - Spring semester enrollment at Abilene Christian University is up 42 students over last spring, according to official 12th-day figures. The spring 2000 student body at ACU represents the largest spring enrollment in the history of the university. Spring enrollment has increased for the eighth consecutive year, said Dr. Royce Money, ACU president. "This school year has been a milestone for us - with record enrollments set in both the fall and the spring," Money said. "These numbers represent real students, and I believe more and more people are interested in what we offer - high quality academic courses taught by Christian professors who care about the students' lives." Total spring enrollment for 2000 is 4,351 students, up from 4,309 in the spring of 1999. The previous spring record was set in 1985, with 4,344 students enrolled. The university compares enrollment numbers from fall to fall, and from spring to spring. In addition to the increase in student count over last spring, the number of credit hours sold also increased to 56,314 hours, up from last spring's 56,038 hours sold. This number indicates more students are enrolled as full-time students than in the past. "Our faculty and staff have worked hard to make ACU accessible to as many students as possible - and to challenge them to reach their full potential," Money said. "Our campus is more diverse, we offer programs for traditional-age students and adults, and we are constantly striving to meet the needs of all learners." For the past six years, ACU has been listed among U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges and Universities." The university offers 117 bachelor's and 32 master's programs along with the Doctor of Ministry degree. ACU, a national leader in Christian higher education, is a private, selective university with students from 50 states and more than 60 nations. The university offers exceptional academic quality, is one of "America's 100 Best College Buys," and belongs to the prestigious Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. ACU ranks seventh in the nation for producing graduates who earn their doctorates in education, pre-med/dental school acceptance is twice the national average, and ACU's physics program has received more than $1.4 million for research from the Department of Energy. The university's mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. -30- Abilene Christian University Spring enrollment data Year Total spring enrollment 2000 4,351 1999 4,309 1998 4,271 1997 4,112 1996 4,096 1995 3,990 1994 3,882 1993 3,791 1992 3,718 Total spring enrollment: 4,351 Up 42 students from last spring Largest since spring of 1985 (4,344) Number of credit hours sold this spring: 56,314 Eighth consecutive spring enrollment increase; largest spring enrollment ever Bulk of growth in undergraduates Undergraduate enrollment: 3,761 (up from 3,719 last spring) Graduate enrollment: 590 -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: Jan. 26, 2000 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/events/news/000126-enrollment.html