The university has reported a record enrollment count of 4,910 students in numbers released on the 12th day of classes, an 8 percent increase from last year’s 4,544 students. A large freshman class and growing online graduate programs through ACU Dallas contributed to the rise in enrolled students.

The class of 2020 is the third-largest in ACU’s history with 1,047 incoming students.

In an email to faculty and staff, Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, said 59 percent of freshmen graduated in the top quarter of their high school class, and collectively, the average high school GPA of the class is “an ACU best-ever.”

Students enrolled in graduate programs also is at a record level, with 1,152 students in on-campus and online programs. About 650 of these graduate students are enrolled online from 37 states and three nations through ACU Dallas.

Schubert said freshman-to-sophomore retention rates continue to be strong, but retention is down at 76.1 percent, a slight decline from last year’s 79.4 percent.

“Each person enrolled represents an individual and family choosing to invest in an ACU education and its promise; a humbling and inspiring opportunity we are privileged to share,” Schubert said in the email.

Numbers for ethnic and racial diversity of the student body were unavailable due to computer issues.

Students from a Church of Christ background still make up the largest sector at 30.8 percent. 

The student makeup continues to be more religiously diverse, but students from a Church of Christ background still make up the largest segment at 30.8 percent. The next highest reported background was Baptist, with 18 percent of students. Christian church and Community church backgrounds were not far behind at 16.4 percent and 15.3 percent. Ten percent of students claim “other” religious beliefs. Five percent of students are Catholic, and 4.2 come from a Methodist background.