Samford University has set multiple records with the fall 2015 enrollment, exceeding 5,200 students across undergraduate and graduate programs.  Confirming projections that started in late spring, university officials announced an official enrollment of 5,206 on Aug. 28.

This is Samford’s seventh consecutive record fall enrollment and exceeds last year’s record of 4,933.

In addition to the record total, the fall enrollment figures include a record 826 first-year full-time students, exceeding the previous record of 755 set in 2013.

Samford President Andrew Westmoreland had told employees last week that he had “never been more excited” to start a fall semester.

“These records did not happen by accident,” said Westmoreland. “Hundreds of people have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are providing the type of quality educational experience that these students expect from Samford. That it has led to record enrollments is an affirmation of those efforts.”

Included in the totals are 3,168 undergraduate and 2,038 graduate/professional students, both records, representing 46 states and 32 other countries.

The record freshman class is one of the most diverse and academically accomplished in Samford history, according to R. Philip Kimrey, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

“As Samford’s national reputation grows, we are drawing students from a larger geographic base than ever before,” Kimrey said. “And, this class is the most accomplished and well-rounded in our history.”

The records come at a time of national recognition and expansion across all academic schools at Samford University, Westmoreland noted. Samford University is the top ranked private university in Alabama.  U.S. News & World Report  ranked Samford #3 in the South for regional universities and #3 in the South for best undergraduate teaching in 2015.

Additional Enrollment Statistics