Ashland University's Student Population: An Overview

Ashland University is a private university in Ashland, Ohio, with a total enrollment of around 4,000 to 6,000 students. The university consists of a 135-acre main campus and several off-campus centres throughout central and northern Ohio. Ashland University offers a unique educational experience that combines strong academic programs with a focus on individual attention and nurturing relationships between faculty and students.

Undergraduate enrollment is 5,180 (fall 2023)

Ashland University, a private institution in Ashland, Ohio, has an undergraduate enrollment of 5,180 students for the fall of 2023. This number is a significant increase from the previous year, with a 9.4% jump in total enrollment. The freshmen that form the Class of 2027 represent a 9.0% increase over last year's class, and transfers are up by 12.5%. The university's efforts to improve its financial aid packages and recruitment strategies have likely contributed to this growth.

The undergraduate enrollment at Ashland University comprises the majority of its student body, with 80% of its 6,200 students being undergraduates. The university offers over 70 options for majors, including actuarial sciences, multi-age education, and digital media production. Additionally, there are more than 100 student organizations on campus, and many students opt to join fraternities or sororities. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, and 80% of the faculty hold the highest degree in their field.

The university's main campus spans 135 acres, with additional off-campus centres throughout central and northern Ohio. Ashland University was founded in 1878 as Ashland College and has slowly grown over the years. Despite facing financial difficulties in 1972, the institution recovered and has continued to expand and improve its facilities. Today, it offers a unique educational experience that combines strong academic programs with a nurturing community.

The university's athletic teams, known as the Ashland Eagles, compete in the NCAA Division II and offer various sports for men and women. The university's $23 million athletic complex includes a football stadium, a track and field stadium, and a state-of-the-art training facility. Ashland University values individual students and provides a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.

Total enrollment is 4,143 (2023-2024)

Ashland University is a private university located in Ashland, Ohio, United States. It was founded in 1878 as Ashland College and became Ashland University in 1989. The university has a total enrollment of 4,143 students for the 2023-2024 academic year. This includes 3,123 undergraduate students and 1,020 graduate students. Of these, 2,640 are full-time students and 1,503 are part-time.

The gender distribution at Ashland University is 42.63% male (1,766 students) and 57.37% female (2,377 students). In terms of race and ethnicity, the student population is predominantly White (75.3%), with Black or African American students making up the second-largest group (9.87%). The university also has a significant number of Hispanic or Latino (3.19%), Asian (1.32%), and American Indian or Alaska Native (0.407%) students.

The university has seen fluctuations in its enrollment numbers over the years, with a total enrollment of around 5,600 in 1989 and 6,200 students as of 2025. Ashland University offers a unique educational experience that combines strong academic programs with a focus on individual attention and nurturing relationships between faculty and students.

The university consists of a 135-acre main campus and several off-campus centres throughout central and northern Ohio. It is affiliated with the Brethren Church and offers over 60 college majors across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Schar College of Education, the Dauch College of Business and Economics, and the Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Ashland University also has a graduate school, Ashland Theological Seminary, offering master's and doctoral degrees.

There are 993 online-only students

Ashland University is a private university located in Ashland, Ohio, United States. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,180 as of Fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 42.63% male and 57.37% female. The university offers a unique educational experience that combines strong academics with a focus on individual attention and nurturing relationships between faculty and students.

The university has seen significant gains in traditional undergraduate enrollment, welcoming nearly 600 new full-time students in Fall 2023. This increase is attributed to various factors, including enhanced campus facilities, improved financial aid packages, and a dedicated recruitment team. Notably, 993 students have chosen to enrol exclusively in online programs, taking advantage of the university's distance learning opportunities. This number accounts for nearly a quarter of the total student population.

The online-only option has been a popular choice, with 993 students opting for this mode of learning. This number represents 24% of the total student body, indicating a significant demand for flexible and remote education. Ashland University's online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, providing an attractive alternative for those who cannot attend in-person classes.

The online programs at Ashland University are designed to provide a convenient and accessible learning experience without compromising on quality. Students enrolled exclusively online have access to the same renowned faculty, rigorous coursework, and diverse student community as their on-campus peers. The university ensures that online students receive a well-rounded education, offering over 70 options for majors, including actuarial sciences, multi-age education, and digital media production.

The flexibility of online learning appeals to various students, including those with busy schedules, those who live far from campus, and those who prefer a more self-paced learning environment. By choosing to study online, students can balance their education with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities. Additionally, online programs can foster a sense of community and connection through interactive features, discussion forums, and collaborative projects.

508 freshmen enrolled in 2023

In 2023, Ashland University welcomed 508 freshmen, marking a 9% increase in freshmen enrolment compared to the previous year. This is a notable improvement, especially considering the university's history of low enrolment numbers. In the spring of 2023, low enrolment caused a budget deficit, resulting in staff cuts. However, the university's focus on enhancing financial aid packages and its outstanding recruitment efforts have contributed to this year's positive trend.

The Class of 2027, formed by these 508 freshmen, showcases improved academic credentials. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen rose to 3.57, up from 3.53 the previous year. Similarly, the average ACT score climbed slightly to 23.2. This year's freshmen may also be attributed to record enrolment in the Ashland Honors Program and the Ashbrook Scholars program.

The increase in freshmen enrolment is part of a broader trend at Ashland University. The university welcomed nearly 600 new full-time traditional undergraduate students this fall, including transfers, representing a 9.4% jump from last year. This growth is significant, especially considering the challenges universities face in attracting students.

Keith Ramsdell, AU's vice president for enrolment management and marketing, attributed the rise in enrolment to several factors. He highlighted the multi-million-dollar investments in campus facilities, enhanced financial aid packages, and the university's commitment to providing a unique educational experience. The university's location also plays a role, as it is conveniently situated near major Ohio cities, offering easy access to cultural and professional opportunities.

With the increase in freshmen enrolment, Ashland University is taking steps to accommodate the larger class. Over the summer, the university ensured there were enough beds in the residence halls and sufficient professors for introductory courses. This surge in freshmen enrolment bodes well for the university, indicating that their strategies are effective in attracting students and that there is strong demand for what Ashland University has to offer.

74% of freshmen continue their degree

Ashland University is a private university located in Ashland, Ohio. It was founded in 1878 as Ashland College and became Ashland University in 1989. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a total enrollment of around 6,200 students, with 80% being undergraduate students.

In terms of retention rates, Ashland University has been improving in this area for the second consecutive year. The freshmen retention rate refers to the percentage of first-time, full-time students who return for their second year of studies. For Ashland University, 74% of freshmen students who enrolled last fall continued their degree this year, which is above the national average of 70.57%. This is a positive sign for the university, as it indicates that a high percentage of students are satisfied with their experience and choose to continue their studies at the institution.

The retention rate can be influenced by various factors, such as the quality of academic programs, campus facilities, financial aid offerings, and the effectiveness of the recruitment team. Ashland University has made significant investments in these areas, which may have contributed to the increased retention rate. Additionally, the university's focus on providing a unique educational experience and building nurturing relationships between faculty and students could also be a factor in the high retention rate.

The retention rate is an important metric for universities as it reflects student satisfaction and the overall health of the institution. A high retention rate suggests that the university is successful in meeting the needs and expectations of its students. For prospective students, a high retention rate can be an indicator of a university's quality and commitment to student success.

In addition to its high retention rate, Ashland University also boasts a strong graduation rate. The four-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students is 48%, which is higher than the national average of 37.92%. This indicates that a large percentage of students who start their degree at Ashland University are able to complete it within the traditional timeframe.

In conclusion, Ashland University's 74% freshmen retention rate is a positive indicator of the university's performance and student satisfaction. The university has made efforts to improve its retention rate, and these efforts seem to be paying off. With a high retention rate and strong graduation rates, Ashland University demonstrates its commitment to providing a quality education and supporting its students throughout their academic journey.

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