STEUBENVILLE — In an era when many private and public universities are experiencing declines in enrollment, Franciscan University of Steubenville has welcomed its largest incoming class of students for the 11th straight year. A record of 1,227 new students — including freshmen, graduate students and transfers — began their classes on campus and online for the fall semester.

That growth bucks national trends and helps to solidify the university’s place among the most faithfully Catholic universities in the country. The Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, the university’s president, emphasized that the institution has navigated “powerful and inexhaustible headwinds” in higher education by remaining faithful to its mission and continuing to grow.

“This time of significant change in higher education presents Franciscan University with a tremendous opportunity to respond to the deep hunger of young people for truth and for authentic Catholic community, where they are strengthened in faith and prepared to lead with courage and conviction,” Pivonka said. “Each new class reminds us of the privilege we have to shape both minds and hearts. This steady growth is not simply about numbers but about forming students who embody Franciscan joy and truth, and who will renew the church and society with their witness.”

Although final numbers will not be available until later this month, the university is projecting more than 4,250 students will be attending classes this fall. This figure includes about 400 dual enrollment high school students taking advantage of the university’s offerings and partnership with the Chesterton Schools Network. The number of new undergraduate students attending the university in person jumped from 824 last year to 848 this year, and the number of new online undergraduate students increased from 93 to 143.

This fall’s record new enrollment numbers come on the heels of the university graduating its largest class in history in May.

Franciscan has students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 35 other countries.

“Just months after graduating our largest class ever, Franciscan is now welcoming its largest incoming class. That momentum reflects our growing reach and the deep desire of students for an authentically Catholic university, one that forms them for more than careers,” said Tim Reardon, vice president for enrollment management. “Here, they are prepared for the demands of family life, for leadership in the church and society and, above all, for holiness. This record enrollment shows the world’s hunger for the truth, community and joy that define Franciscan University.”

The record enrollment numbers come on the heels of the recent completion of the renovated Christ the King Chapel. Franciscan’s chapel has nearly doubled its seating capacity — from 325 to 590 — to better accommodate the growing student population and has added a new altar and tabernacle, new sacred art and stained-glass windows.

The $16.5 million chapel renovation project capped off the university’s Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign, which raised $126.1 million for enhancements to academic programs, student scholarships, outreach programs and new and renovated buildings. Among those new buildings is Christ the Teacher Hall and Event Center, which opened its doors to students one year ago. Complete with a new event space and state-of-the-art nursing, engineering and business classrooms and labs, the 110,000-square-foot building enhances the school’s educational offerings with space for additional academic programs and more campus events.

Based on the initial numbers of returning students, university officials expect to see Franciscan’s retention rate remain high. Projections show the university is set to post an 88 percent first-year retention rate, which far surpasses the national average of just under 70 percent.

“In today’s college landscape, the challenge isn’t just attracting students, it’s finding those who truly fit our mission. At Franciscan, we seek students who share our values and desire to become joyful disciples, not just for a semester, but for their entire college journey,” Reardon said. “The fact that so many of our students remain and thrive is proof that Franciscan delivers on what families are looking for: a university that forms the whole person, uniting rigorous academics with faith and community.”