Special to the Sun
Midway University has recorded its 11th consecutive year of enrollment growth, with 2,090 students enrolled this fall, a 3.2 percent increase over last year’s total of 2,025. The gains were led by a rise in traditional-age undergraduates, a notable achievement as colleges across the country grapple with a shrinking pool of college-age students, often called the “demographic cliff.”
Midway’s traditional undergraduate population grew by 4 percent, driven by both new and returning students. First-time freshman enrollment climbed to 328, the second-largest incoming freshman class in the university’s history.
This fall also marks the 11th consecutive year of net revenue growth.
Notably, the university achieved this increase without raising its tuition discount rate while remaining affordable, underscoring the sustainability of the gains.
As a result of the growth in both enrollment and net revenue, Midway University continues to construct and renovate buildings without incurring new debt, having spent $42 million on campus improvements since 2018.
The James A. and Martha R. Brown Library will open in early January 2027, a new athletic field house will be completed later this fall and the existing library was converted into a fourth residence hall in time for the fall semester.
The university also saw strong growth in its dual credit program, which allows high school students to earn college credit before graduation. Dual credit enrollment rose by 18.8 percent, fueled largely by returning participants. University officials point to the program as both a pipeline for future traditional enrollment and a growing point of connection with regional high schools.
“Midway University’s fall enrollment reflects gains across multiple student populations, reinforcing the university’s position as a stable and growing institution in Kentucky higher education,” said John P. Marsden, president of Midway University.