Concord University embraces continued growth
PRESS RELEASE:
ATHENS, WV – Concord University administrators are celebrating increased enrollment to kick off the 2025-26 academic year, outpacing even 2024-25’s historic growth.
“I am elated to see more students joining the Concord family. This growth is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff and the strength of our programs. As we continue to expand opportunities, enrich campus life, and invest in our facilities, Concord will remain a special place to learn, grow, and thrive.”
— Dr. Bethany Meighen, Concord University President
At the end of the first week of classes, total enrollment registered 1,974 students, which includes 1,632 undergraduates and 345 graduate students. These totals represent a 1.07% overall increase and a 3.85% rise over the high-achieving Fall 2024 numbers at the end of Week 1. Within the first-time students, 34% earned college credit in high school, bringing with them an average of 20 completed college credit hours prior to entering college.
Currently, the undergraduate class includes 461 incoming first-year students and 170 transfer students. The 2025-2026 Concord University student body includes international students from 32 different countries. There are students hailing from 32 U.S. states, and students from 50 West Virginia counties. There are 605 student-athletes across the University’s 16 athletic programs. Leading undergraduate majors based on the first week’s enrollment for the Fall 2025 term are: Business Administration; Elementary Education; Social Work; Health Sciences; and Nursing.
Among the prime drivers of CU’s recent growth have been our Health Sciences programs, including the Physician Assistant program, which just began classes for its first cohort in the master’s-level program on a mission to train exceptional health care providers for underserved, rural areas.
In addition, Mountain Lion Athletics engaged in a widespread recruitment campaign over recent months to engage new, energetic, vibrant student-athletes committed to the CU mission. While all coaches have been involved in this push, much of the effort has been propelled by the preseason strategy of new Head Football Coach Cody Edwards, as he worked tirelessly to prepare the Mountain Lions for kickoff.
And, Concord University, together with the CU Foundation, awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to deserving students, demonstrating that Concord University remains more committed than ever to the accessibility and affordability of higher education.
The enrollment numbers recorded on Friday have the potential to change, as the student population fluctuates. A final census will be taken in the weeks ahead by the Office of Institutional Research and released to the University leadership. For more information on how to apply to Concord University, please visit: www.concord.edu/apply.
ABOUT CONCORD UNIVERSITY
The mission of Concord University is to improve the lives of our students and communities, through innovative teaching and learning, intellectual and creative activities, and community service and civic engagement.
