After enrolling the institution’s largest freshman class in 50 years in 2023, Quincy University continues to maintain a steady enrollment, with total enrollment down by 3% from last year. This year’s freshman class is 22% larger than the class that graduated May 2024.

The number of full-time returning students is the highest in the past seven years, marking a trend related to QU’s Success by Design initiative to ensure that students graduate on time and are fully prepared for careers or further education.

“With 266 new freshman, QU has its fifth largest class of the past 10 years,” said Brian McGee, PhD, president of Quincy University. “Given the chaos created by this year’s error-filled federal financial aid process, we are pleased to have what for us is a fairly typical enrollment year, with about the same number of students on campus as last year. We are delighted by the quality and the enthusiasm of this year’s new students at Quincy University, including our 111 new transfer and graduate students.”

The fall-to-fall retention rate for last year’s QU freshmen increased by 7%. The retention rate is determined by how many first-time, degree-seeking students from the previous fall are enrolled in the current fall and is an indicator of student satisfaction.

“Despite the significant disruption caused by the U.S. Department of Education’s challenged launch of the new FAFSA financial aid platform, which caused delays in the processing and delivery of student financial assistance, the faculty and staff are proud to welcome this year’s new freshmen, transfer, and graduate students,” said Tom Oliver, M.A., vice president for enrollment and senior director of student financial services.

New academic and athletic programs also contributed to the enrollment numbers. This academic year marks the beginning of the electrical and mechanical engineering programs with students enrolled in both programs. In addition, 22 new students (14 freshmen and 8 transfer students) are part of the STUNT/Cheer and Competitive Dance teams.

“We commend these students for their personal accomplishments that earned them admission to QU and for their perseverance in the face of difficulty and delay in getting their FAFSAs submitted to receive the financial assistance they deserve,” said Oliver. “While the FAFSA challenges were an unwelcomed part of their college discernment process, our new students showed a perseverance and grit that will serve them well as they begin their educational journeys.”

The class of 2028 comes to QU from 24 states and 11 countries. The freshman class has an average GPA of 3.5 and average SAT scores of 1120. Sixty-two Illinois students are receiving the QU Illinois Tuition Promise.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.