The dorms are buzzing with activity. General education classes are full. Saturday night events are drawing bigger crowds than they have for years. These are all signs of a great freshman class.
With 128 first-year students, Union’s freshmen class is the largest since 2020 with the most new students (204 including transfers) since 2019. The total number of freshmen (all students who have completed fewer than 24 credits) is 22% higher than last year, and the number of first-time freshmen is 28% higher.
“This new class of students is an answer to prayer,” said Ryan Teller, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “The Enrollment team starts each day by praying for the students that God is sending to Union, and He has exceeded our expectations.”
Here are a few facts about the Union Adventist University class of 2029:
- They represent 11 countries.
- The top five home states are all in the Mid-America Union: Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota (in that order).
- 59% are female and 41% are male.
- 75% attended an Adventist academy, and 5% were homeschooled.
- Approximately one-third (32.5%) are first-generation college students.
The campus is celebrating as the number of full-time students has increased, with the full-time equivalent (FTE) growing to 646 compared to 635.1 last year. “We stepped out in faith and based this year’s budget on gaining 10 FTE,” said Dr. Yami Bazan, Union’s president. “Praise the Lord, we made it!” Overall headcount this academic year is 748, a decline from 799 last year. However, the difference is due to fewer part-time students and a shift in continuing education credits for professionals to the summer semester.
In addition to FTE growth, another key indicator is the residence halls. Occupancy is up this year from 298 to 334, a 12% increase over last year and a 31% increase compared to two years ago. There was so much demand for rooms that the Residential Life team opened up a floor of Culver Hall that has not been occupied in recent years.
“With more full-time students, more freshmen and full residence halls, we are celebrating these 748 opportunities God has blessed us with,” said Bazan. “You can feel the Union spirit alive on campus. I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed for and worked towards the upward momentum we are experiencing at Union.”
Why I chose Union
With the release of this year’s enrollment numbers, we thought we should add some qualitative data to the mix. We asked a few of our newest students what brought them to Union. Here are their answers.
I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to go to Union at first. My sister graduated from Union in 2019, and I just thought of it as a nursing school. Then I talked to people about the Education Program and they told me how supportive it would be … When I visited, it was better than any of the other programs I looked at. I felt a calling from God saying this is where I’m supposed to go. I am really thankful for the people, not just within Union, but the community that has formed around Union. I have really close family friends here. It is definitely a blessing to have a support system since I’m so far away from home.
Katie Miller, an elementary education major from Frederica, Delaware
I grew up in Michigan, and I really wanted to get out of Michigan. I didn’t think I would come to Nebraska, but I didn’t want to go somewhere overwhelming. The people here are really cool. It’s kind of a different vibe in Nebraska and in Lincoln. I felt welcomed and comfortable. And there’s some good teachers, too. Everyone wants your success.
Lanai Sanford, a chemistry major from St. Joseph, Michigan
I chose Union because the occupational therapy assistant to master of occupational therapy bridge program is really cool here, and I liked the size of the school, the location, and I also felt like God was calling me to come here. I was homeschooled, and this is a nice place for homeschoolers. It’s not too scary.
Natalia Leffler, an OTA major from Kansas City, Missouri
I chose Union Adventist University first of all because it is Adventist. The teachers aren’t going to make it difficult for me to pass for being Adventist. I believe that what Union has to offer gives me a way to grow spiritually, educationally, and in every area of my life. The professors are very welcoming. It’s a good environment where you actually want to learn about the subject.
Kenny Rodriguez, a chemistry major from Panama
My mom went here. My sister is here. A lot of my friends go here. It’s the closest Adventist college to home. I don’t know what I want to major in yet, but I can at least do my generals with my friends.
Madi Hoffer from Shakopee, Minnesota
I got good scholarships from Union. My parents went here. I like the faculty and staff, and I like the size of the school … I did high school online at home, and I’m still having a hard time remembering where my classrooms are. Smaller is good.
Jaden Blood, a psychology major from Leoma, Tennessee
I chose Union for the International Rescue and Relief Program. It’s something I couldn’t find anywhere else, and it’s something I’m passionate about. IRR classes are amazing.
Jeneane Cochran, an IRR major from Parker, Colorado
I heard about Union from my aunt. Her son had gone to school here and didn’t stay. I thought, I’m very different from my cousin, I’ll probably like it. I do like the small campus. Everything is close together and easy to get to. There’s a real family feel here.
Janae Hsu, an Elementary Education major from New Market, Virginia
I had been praying about choosing a college for a long time. I finally just felt called that this is the place for me. It kind of ended up being a last-minute decision, just a couple weeks before I was graduating.
Coby Bramham, a biokinesiology major from Inola, Oklahoma