Freed-Hardeman University Hits Record Graduation Benchmark

The university welcomed 2,296 students to campus this fall, marking a 5% increase in new student enrollment compared to the previous year. This growth is mirrored by a 13% rise in full-time graduate students and a 3% uptick in full-time undergraduate participation. Notably, residential life is seeing renewed interest, with a 5% increase in students choosing to live on campus.

President Keith Harris attributed these gains to a campus culture that prioritizes personal development and community investment. This environment is bolstered by a strong alignment with the university's Christian mission; roughly 76% of undergraduate residents are members of the churches of Christ, the highest concentration among similar institutions. Ryan Malecha, vice president for enrollment management, noted that students are increasingly drawn to the school's sense of belonging. With international enrollment also hitting historic levels, the university continues to expand its reach while maintaining the retention figures that currently outperform nine of Tennessee’s public four-year universities.