August enrollment estimates point toward more—and higher-achieving—students for the 2011-2012 school year. When classes start August 29 in the traditional undergraduate program the 430 new students expected will be 60 more than the admissions goal. More than 300 new students, 35 more than budgeted, are anticipated in bachelor's degree completion and 40 at the seminary, about five above the goal. Overall graduate admissions are projected at about the same as last year.
Total enrollment looks to be 3,700, up from 3,314 in fall 2010. "This is our largest freshman class ever," said Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., vice president of enrollment management. Official totals will be taken after the 16th day of classes.
For the first time one area of enrollment, new freshmen, is being capped at 275, which the university expects to reach by August 19. FPU is still welcoming new undergraduate transfer students, as well as degree completion, graduate and the seminary. First-semester freshmen can also apply to begin classes in the spring semester, and a waiting list has been created in case there are any vacancies this fall. "We need to make sure we can continue to give all our students the full Fresno Pacific experience," Varvis said.
Increased financial aid and renovated residence halls are among the improvements for students. Several new faculty are also joining the university so students can continue to build strong relationships that help them succeed. That investment has attracted not only more students, but better prepared students. The average SAT score among incoming students is 20 points higher than 2010, and the average grade point average is up .1 percent. "We continue to invest in people and facilities to build our students and our region," Varvis said.