The 2026-2027 enrollment numbers for Fresno Pacific University show a record number of incoming graduate students as well as growth in undergraduate enrollment. There was also an increase in the number of total units students are taking.
This fall saw 542 incoming graduate students enroll, the highest number in university history and an increase from 515 last year. Traditional undergraduate enrollment also increased by 5.5%, while overall full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment rose by 6.9%. FTE measures student enrollment based on course loads rather than headcount.
Overall enrollment totaled 2,877 students, a 2.3% decrease from last fall. However, students enrolled in more units across the university compared with last fall.
“The enrollment numbers show areas of meaningful progress as well as areas where we can continue to grow,” said FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D. “I am especially encouraged by the growth in traditional undergraduate enrollment, transfer students and the number of units being taken by degree completion and graduate students.”
Traditional Undergraduate
Traditional undergraduate enrollment grew from 822 students last fall to 867 this year, a 5.5% increase. Among those students, 133 are new transfers, a 23.1% increase. The number of returning students also grew by 8.4% to 528.
The growth in transfer enrollment comes as Fresno Pacific continues to strengthen partnerships with local school districts and community colleges through its Sunbird Flight Plan initiative.
Graduate and Seminary
Graduate enrollment totaled 1,319 students, including students enrolled in Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. While overall graduate headcount decreased from last year’s 1,369 students, incoming graduate enrollment reached a record high. The university welcomed 542 incoming graduate students, compared with 515 last fall. Graduate units also increased by 6.2%, reflecting a greater number of units being taken.
Bachelor’s Degree Completion
Bachelor’s degree completion programs enrolled 691 students this fall, compared with 755 last year. Despite the decrease in headcount, the number of units taken by degree completion students increased by 8.7%. This continues a trend of students taking more units as they work toward completing their degrees.
“While enrollment numbers are important, what matters most is the students behind those numbers,” Stephens said. “We remain committed to providing an environment where students can grow academically, deepen their faith and prepare for lives that benefit the common good.”