Arlington, VA – While many universities across the country continue to grapple with declining enrollment, Marymount University has bucked the trend, reporting a significant surge in applications and student deposits for the 2022-23 academic year.
University officials announced a 44% increase in applications compared to the previous year, marking the largest total number of applications and highest year-over-year growth in the past 16 years. Additionally, the number of student deposits jumped by 20%, the highest recorded increase since fall 2018.
A Remarkable Growth Story
At a time when many higher education institutions are struggling to recover from pandemic-related enrollment drops, Marymount’s ability to attract and retain students demonstrates the strength of its career-focused academic programs and student engagement initiatives.
Marymount President Irma Becerra emphasized that the university took a proactive approach rather than merely weathering the storm.
“When the pandemic struck, it would have been understandable for an institution to solely focus on staying afloat – but we decided to not only survive but thrive, and we’re seeing the results of our joint efforts coming into focus,” Becerra said.
University administrators attribute this impressive growth to several strategic initiatives, including:
- Enhanced outreach efforts that expanded Marymount’s visibility among prospective students.
- A streamlined application process that made it easier for students to apply.
- Recognition as Virginia’s first and only Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), increasing its appeal to a more diverse student body.
- New academic programs designed to align with evolving job market demands.
- The launch of men’s and women’s wrestling programs, adding to the university’s growing athletics program.
According to William Bisset, Marymount’s Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, these latest enrollment figures are a direct result of the dedication of faculty, staff, and administrators who have worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for students.
“These latest application and enrollment statistics are numbers we should be proud of, and it’s all thanks to our dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators who have helped make this possible,” Bisset said.
The Future of Marymount University
With record-breaking applications and growing student interest, Marymount University is solidifying its position as a top choice for higher education in Virginia. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, and student support continues to attract a new generation of students seeking a dynamic and future-focused education.
As Marymount looks ahead, the institution remains committed to expanding opportunities, strengthening community engagement, and maintaining its upward trajectory in enrollment and academic innovation.