Marian University achieves record enrollment for Fall 2013 semester

First-Time Freshmen, Total Enrollment, and Graduate Students all reach record highs

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Marian University, a private Catholic institution of higher learning located four miles west of downtown Indianapolis, announced today that enrollment for its Fall 2013 semester has reached a record high. The achievement comes in the midst of reports of declining enrollment at institutions of higher education across the nation. Students begin attending classes at the liberal arts university this week.

Total enrollment at Marian University is expected to exceed 2,600 students by its September 15 census date, when official enrollment numbers are reported. That will top the previous record of 2,582 students, recorded in Fall 2012. This year's enrollment is bolstered by Marian University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, which contributes 162 first-year medical students to the total enrollment number.

Perhaps most impressive is the record number of first-time, full-time freshmen who will attend Marian University this semester. The university is reporting that 334 first-time, full-time freshmen started classes today, an all-time record at the university and an 11 percent increase over last year.

"We see this remarkable enrollment growth as further evidence that our students, their parents, and the many donors that are investing in Marian University see value in the quality academic programs and supportive environment we provide," Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. "Marian University is building a great Catholic University in a great American city for service to this state and beyond, and a lot of people want to be a part of that mission."

Marian University is also expecting record enrollment for its graduate programs. That number should exceed 300, not including the students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University post baccalaureate programs are offered through the university's Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership.

"We're obviously excited about our record enrollment, but we're equally proud of the quality of student that will be attending Marian University this fall," President Elsener said. "We are truly educating future leaders for health care, business, education, and the Church."

This year's freshman class comprises students from 17 states. Not surprisingly, Indiana leads that list, followed by Illinois and Ohio. Students from as far away as Texas and Washington will also be attending Marian University this fall.

Marian University's highly regarded Leighton School of Nursing continues to have the largest enrollment at the university, with 75 freshmen currently enrolled in the program. The School of Mathematics and Sciences' Biology program, the Byrum School of Business' Marketing and Management programs, and the School of Education and Exercise Science's Elementary Education program round out the top five most popular majors with this year's freshman class.

About Marian University Indianapolis
Marian University, founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of more than 2,500 from 31 states and eight countries through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana's 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide.

Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2010, the university announced it would develop the first college of osteopathic medicine in Indiana; in 2011, it broke ground on the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences. Marian University has amassed more than 20 national cycling championships and in 2012 won the NAIA Football Championship.

SOURCE Marian University