Hanover boasts highest enrollment in its history
Hanover welcomed one of its largest undergraduate classes to campus on move-in day, with 348 first-year students and 16 transfers students deciding to call the College home. It’s the largest class since 2018 and the third largest in Hanover’s nearly 200 years. This surge in new undergraduate students has also boosted the College’s total enrollment to a record 1,244 students, with 1,035 undergraduates, along with 209 doctoral students in the physical therapy and occupational therapy programs.
“Hanover College believes that the need for a strong residential liberal arts education has never been higher,” said Peter Ashley, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “More and more students are recognizing the incredible opportunity offered by Hanover, and our efforts to make our transformative education more accessible are having an impact.”
Hanover’s Class of 2028 boasts a 3.8 average grade-point average, including 41 percent with a 4.0 GPA or higher. The cohort hails from 12 states and 16 countries. The accomplished group of young people also includes 60 students of color, comprising nearly 16 percent of the incoming class. “Not only is this incoming class one of the largest, but it’s also one of the most diverse and academically accomplished cohorts we’ve enrolled, and our new graduate programs are attracting students from all over the country,” said Ashley. “It’s gratifying that after nearly two centuries, the appeal of Hanover’s world-class education has never been stronger.”
Hanover’s first-year cohort also includes 66 legacy students, whose siblings, parents and/or grandparents attended the College. While Hanover has traditionally been strong with its family connections, this year’s influx of legacy students marks a 165 percent increase from the previous year.
In addition, Hanover has launched several key initiatives designed to make paying for college more transparent and affordable. Locking undergraduate tuition for each new four-year cohort, offsetting tuition for Pell-eligible students and guaranteeing our students will graduate in four years are among the programs that have resonated with families.
“Our efforts to increase cost transparency, simplicity and accessibility are second to none, and we regularly hear from families how much they appreciate our approach to financial aid,” noted Ashley. “We pride ourselves on offering the most generous aid package we can upfront, which assures families that we take their need to know and plan seriously.”
More than 2,400 students were admitted for Hanover’s Class of 2028, marking the highest figure since 2018. The College’s totals for first-year students and overall student body underscore the remarkable achievement during an ongoing period of difficulties for most U.S. colleges and universities. As the number of high school students planning to attend college continue to decline and birth rates drop to record lows, it is imperative that colleges respond.
“We certainly do not have our heads in the sand over the changes in demographics and other challenges facing higher education,” said Ashley. “Our response has been to redouble our efforts to create value for students and families by offering a powerful undergraduate education, and by innovating in the graduate space with timely new programs. Our confidence in Hanover College has never been higher and we are excited to see what the future holds.”
