Mercer University reports historic spike in new undergraduate students

Mercer University began its 193rd academic year by enrolling a record number of new undergraduate students, the school announced Monday.

Mercer’s class of 2029 includes 1,130 new residential undergraduate students, with 1,016 first-time freshmen — the largest in the school’s history and a 24% increase over last year’s total.

Penny L. Elkins Mercer University executive vice president and interim provost, said the record-setting class reflects Mercer’s dedication to academic excellence rooted in purpose.

“By surpassing the previous record and welcoming our largest freshman enrollment, Mercer stands stronger than ever,” Elkins said in a statement. “The University has never been more stable, and student demand for a Mercer education continues to grow. Most importantly, this milestone affirms our mission to prepare students to lead with integrity and impact, because the world needs more Mercerians.”

The Princeton Review recognized Mercer for the 23rd consecutive year as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduates, a factor Elkins believes contributes to the university’s enrollment growth, the university said in a press release.

Classes began Aug. 19, with the university welcoming nearly 115 transfer students, school officials said.

Mercer said its incoming undergraduate cohort at the Macon campus includes students from 26 states and 12 countries, 18 high school valedictorians and six Eagle Scouts.

“Out of the 1,016 first-time freshmen, fifty-nine percent had a 4.0 or higher grade point average, and ten percent are enrolled in the University Honors Program,” the school said.

Final enrollment numbers for the fall semester will be announced in November after all registration processes are complete and any changes are finalized.

Last fall, Mercer reported an opening day record enrollment of 9,082 students, a 1.5% increase from fall 2023. The university attributed the growth to increases in enrollment at its law and medical schools, as well as in graduate education programs.