Newman University is celebrating exceptional enrollment growth for fall 2025, welcoming 405 new undergraduate students during the first week of classes.
It marks an impressive 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 impressive enrollment figures include 200 first-year students and 205 transfer students, demonstrating Newman’s growing appeal across diverse populations. Graduate student recruitment has also exceeded expectations, adding 145 new students, 10% above the institution’s enrollment goal.
Credit goes to enrollment team
Vice President for Enrollment Management Michael Probus credits the hard work of Newman’s admissions team and several new recruiting initiatives for the jump in the 2025 undergraduate and graduate cohorts.
“These enrollment numbers reflect the tremendous momentum we’ve 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.”
“We’re not just growing — we’re growing with purpose, attracting students who are a good fit with Newman and who are ready to engage with our rigorous academic offerings and vibrant campus community,” Probus added.
Partnerships in southwest Kansas played a part
Newman’s outreach partnerships are part of this fall’s 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 a great need and it’s rewarding to see Newman’s partnerships and student population growing,” Stout said.
Record enrollment growth for local students and seminarians
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 and enrolled 25 new young men. This marks what is likely one of the highest seminary enrollments in the country among institutions that combine seminary education with a full university experience.
President Jagger welcomes new students
President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, believes the student growth allows Newman to strengthen its impact both locally and nationally.
“The enrollment milestone represents more than numbers. It represents the trust that students, families and communities place in our ability to deliver on 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.”
She added, “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.”
The fall enrollment success builds on Newman’s strategic and innovative initiatives that are focused on student success, recruitment, retention and program development.
Enrollment numbers will become final on Sept. 15, census day, the 20th class day of the new academic term.
