BELMONT — Enrollment this fall at Belmont Abbey College hit a near record, college leaders recently announced.
When classes began Aug. 19, the private, liberal arts college welcomed a total enrollment of 1,687 students – the fourth highest total enrollment in the college’s 148-year history and a 2% increase over last year.
The figure includes traditional undergraduates, as well as online, dual-enrolled, non-degree seeking and graduate students. In particular, the growing popularity of online degrees coupled with three new in-demand majors – computer science, cybersecurity and digital marketing – drove up online student enrollment 25% over last year, the college reported.
“We are thrilled to welcome this highly engaged incoming class, with their unique talents, skills and abilities that will enrich the Belmont Abbey College community and extend far beyond our campus,” said Dr. Jesse Dorman, vice provost of enrollment.
The positive enrollment report came at the same time as the release of U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 college rankings. Belmont Abbey College was ranked #2 in Undergraduate Teaching, #16 in Best Value Schools in the South and #22 in Overall Best Colleges in the Southern Region.
Founded by the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey in 1876, Belmont Abbey College strives to provide a high-quality, affordable Catholic liberal arts education for a diverse group of students.
— Sarah Bolton