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LaGrange College reached a near-record number of new students this semester, according to the institution’s official fall headcount.

New incoming students numbered 431, a peak not exceeded in 10 years. The total includes first-time freshmen, transfers and graduate students.

“The growth we are seeing in our campus population and in our graduate programs is a testament to our faculty and staff’s commitment to preparing students for their incredible futures,” said President Susanna Baxter. “It brings me great joy to know that we are the institution of choice for students pursuing their dreams and seeking to earn a degree in a faith-based environment.”

Overall, college enrollment climbed 21% this fall, reaching a total of 814 students, after a few years of COVID-influenced setbacks. Freshman enrollment rose 30%.

College administrators point to enhanced academic programs, both graduate and undergraduate, as part of the reason for the growth.

A new doctoral degree in education enrolled 31 students in its first cohort. The institution’s emerging aviation program looks to add 15 new students during this academic year.

“We plan to continue to invest in opportunities to meet our region’s workforce needs,” said Dr. Baxter. “We are working toward a program in manufacturing engineering technology, something requested by the manufacturing base here. We also plan to launch a master’s degree in computer science in January.”

Overall, graduate enrollment was up 82%, boosted by strong growth in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which serves 62 students. As a whole, graduate enrollment increased to 162 students.

On the undergraduate level, 237 first-year students enrolled at the college. They were accompanied by 49 new transfer students.

The growth has led to a corresponding jump in residence hall capacity, which now stands at 88%.