Newman University reports second-highest new student enrollment in school history

Wichita (NU) – Newman University is touting enrollment growth this fall, welcoming 405 new undergraduate students during the first week of classes. The school indicates the figure marks a 32% year-over-year increase that represents the second-largest new undergraduate class in the institution’s history and the strongest numbers since 2010.

The enrollment figures include 200 first-year students and 205 transfer students, Newman says, which the university says attests to its growing appeal across diverse populations. Graduate student recruitment has also exceeded expectation, adding 145 new students.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Michael Probus credits the admissions team’s hard work and several new recruiting initiatives for the jump in the 2025 undergraduate and graduate cohorts.

“These enrollment numbers reflect the tremendous momentum we have built through our commitment to academic excellence and student success,” Probus said. “To see a 32% increase in new undergraduate enrollment is truly extraordinary and speaks to the confidence students and families have in our programs and the great work by our enrollment professionals.”

Newman says its outreach partnerships are part of the success story. The university added 43 new transfer students in southwest Kansas, surpassing goals for the region. Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout, Ph.D., has spearheaded Newman’s efforts.

“It is exciting to see how the communities of Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal and beyond are embracing our mission to bring high quality four-year college programs to the people who live and work in southwest Kansas, an area that has traditionally been a higher-education desert. There is great need and it’s rewarding to see Newman’s partnerships and student population growing,” Stout said.

Locally Newman had historic success in recruiting students from Wichita’s two Catholic high schools, Bishop Carroll and Kapaun Mt. Carmel, with a record 41 students enrolling this fall. Additionally, the university’s partnership with the dioceses in Wichita, Dodge City, and Salina, to educate seminarians through its School of Catholic Studies continues to stand out nationally, enrolling 25 new young men – maintaining what is likely one of the highest seminary enrollments in the country among institutions that combine seminary education with a full university experience.

NU President Kathleen S. Jagger says she is grateful for the student growth and believes it positions Newman to strengthen its impact.

“The enrollment milestone represents more than numbers. It represents the trust that students, families and communities place in our mission,” Jagger said. “As we welcome these students into the Newman family, we’re reminded of our responsibility to provide transformative education experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of service and significance.”

“This enrollment growth allows us to enhance our programs while maintaining the personalized attention and welcoming family atmosphere that defines our university. Our faculty are excited to work with, and mentor, this dynamic group of students who, along with our returners, bring fresh perspectives to our campus,” Jagger added.

Enrollment numbers will become final on Sept. 15, census day, the 20th class day of the new academic term.

USA Today article here.