By Sarah Carlson, Copy Editor

Enrollment is predicted to increase slightly this fall compared to last school year with the largest freshman class in ACU history, administration and admission officials said. Official 12th-day enrollment figures will not be released for a few weeks.

“We expect to meet or exceed our forecast, which was for around 4,700 students,” said Jack Rich, executive vice president and administrator over recruiting and admissions.

Rich is forecasting an increase of 20 students this fall, and more than 1,000 freshmen are expected to be enrolled, a number larger than last year.

Robert Heil, director of enrollment operations, said he anticipates the freshman class to have 50 more students than last year, and he said the administration is pleased with the academic quality and diversity of the entering class.

“It’s been exciting this week to watch the new students arrive to begin their college careers at ACU,” Heil said.

The number of students attending Passport and the number of freshmen preregistered for classes validates the expectations for a larger freshman class, Heil said. He said freshman dorms are also at full capacity.

Heil said enrollment in the graduate school is expected to increase as well.

“Enrollment is looking stronger than the last two years” because the entering class is larger, said Tim Johnston, chief strategic enrollment officer.

Overall enrollment will depend on how many people return, Johnston said.

At least 520 students graduated in May, the largest graduating class in ACU history, and Rich said more students are graduating in four years than in the past.

Johnston said the graduating class was factored into enrollment projections, and it looks like this year’s senior class will be slightly smaller.