George Fox University Achieves Record Enrollment for Third Consecutive Year

Milestone Marks 11th Enrollment Record Under President Robin Baker

NEWBERG, Ore. — For the third consecutive fall, George Fox University has set a record for total enrollment, reaching 4,373 students for the fall 2026 semester. This historic milestone marks the 11th enrollment record established during the tenure of President Robin Baker, who took office in 2007.

Traditional undergraduate fall enrollment also hit a record high. Driven by three of the largest incoming classes in university history and strong student retention, the traditional undergraduate population exceeds 2,500 students for the first time. This momentum was anchored by an incoming class of 652 first-year and 98 transfer students, alongside a record-breaking 1,762 returning students.

Adult and online learning also delivered strong numbers, with accelerated degree enrollment exceeding 300 students for just the fifth time in institutional history – propelled by the rollout of new 90-credit degree tracks. The accelerated elementary education program experienced significant growth, nearly doubling its incoming cohort compared to last year.

Graduate programs reached a total of 1,555 students, led by record incoming cohorts in the Master of Social Work and Occupational Therapy programs, as well as full-capacity enrollment in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Enrollment numbers do not include the roughly 850 dual-enrollment high school students who are expected to enroll during this academic year. 

This achievement comes at a pivotal time for higher education, coinciding with the arrival of the long-anticipated nationwide "demographic cliff," a decline in the total number of high school graduates. While many colleges and universities across the Pacific Northwest and the country are experiencing enrollment drops, George Fox continues to expand its reach.

George Fox’s continued success is bolstered by its first-year student experience, strong campus culture, and steadfast commitment to its "Be Known" promise – ensuring every student is known personally, academically, and spiritually.

University leadership attributes George Fox’s multi-year growth to a compelling value proposition that deeply resonates with families as well as strategic investments in healthcare education. By expanding programs tailored to address critical shortages of medical professionals across Oregon, particularly in rural communities, George Fox is directly meeting both student demand and vital regional needs.

George Fox University, Oregon’s largest private university, is a U.S. News & World Report “Best National University,” enrolling more than 4,000 students across its Newberg campus, regional centers in Portland and Redmond, and online. The institution offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate degrees. George Fox is a leader in flexible education, featuring accelerated online bachelor’s degrees tailored for working adults.

Contact: 

Carly Reumann

creumann@georgefox.edu

503-554-2101