Nazarene Schools Increase Enrollment [In Canada and the U.S.]

For the 16th consecutive year, enrollment is on the rise at Nazarene schools. Statistics from the Nazarene colleges, universities, and seminary in Canada and the U.S. show an overall increase in enrollment for the 16th consecutive year. According to figures released from the International Board of Education (IBOE) for the 2006-7 academic year, the total enrollment is 21,259, an increase of 587 from last year. "A strong foundation of the Church of the Nazarene is the heritage of Christ-centered excellence in the institutions of higher education," stated Jerry D. Lambert, education commissioner for the Church of the Nazarene's IBOE. "Statistics of increased enrollment tell the story, as more young people choose Christian education in their pursuit of a life of distinction and significance grounded in faith-based beliefs." Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) continues to lead U.S. Nazarene educational institutions in total enrollment in degree-seeking programs. This year ONU reported a total of 4,495 students. Noteworthy gains in total enrollment were also reported by Nazarene Bible College (NBC), Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), and Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). NBC experienced an increase of 295 students enrolled in their on-line program. MVNU attributes their increase to 145 more students enrolled in their graduate programs. PLNU's increase occurred in both their undergraduate and graduate programs. Northwest Nazarene University's (NNU) undergraduate student enrollment increased by 63 while their graduate students increased by 65. Their total degree-seeking enrollment is 1,755, an increase of 128 students overall. In addition, they report a large professional development program with 8,428 students taking classes for credit, but not headed for a degree. Canadian Nazarene University College's traditional undergraduate enrollment increased to 447 students, a gain of 78. Traditional undergraduate enrollment increased at Eastern Nazarene College to 701 students, for a total enrollment of 1,209, and at Trevecca Nazarene University to 913 students, toward a total enrollment of 2,217. Southern Nazarene University's total enrollment is 2,068, 81 percent undergraduate and 19 percent graduate. Nazarene Theological Seminary's enrollment is 297, with 266 traditional students, and 31 non-traditional students. Some schools are strengthening their approach to students by offering courses through non-traditional methods and on-line technology. NBC provides on-line bachelor degree level courses for undergraduates with 627 students enrolled on-line this year. MidAmerica Nazarene University, MVNU, and NNU offer on-line courses at the graduate level. Holiness Today, January/February 2007

 

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