ATHENS, W.Va. (WVDN) — As classes begin at Concord University, preliminary enrollment figures show overall enrollment up 6.02% from last fall. The University is welcoming 504 first-time freshmen, its largest incoming freshman class since 2013, while also recording its largest Day One fall enrollment since 2017.
Fall enrollment remains preliminary and will continue to change during the opening weeks of the semester. Official enrollment figures will be available following the University’s October census. The early numbers represent significant enrollment milestones for Concord and reflect growing interest in the University from students in West Virginia and beyond.
“This is an exciting moment for Concord University. We are incredibly proud to welcome our largest freshman class in more than a decade to Athens and into the Mountain Lion family,” President Bethany Meighen said. “Students are choosing Concord because they find something special here: a close-knit campus community, faculty and staff who are genuinely invested in their success, and rigorous academic programs that prepare them to make a difference in their professions and communities. This growth is a reflection of the tremendous work taking place across our University and the confidence students and families are placing in Concord.”
Concord’s commitment to making higher education accessible is also reflected in the support provided to the incoming class. Ninety-eight percent of first-time freshmen received some form of financial aid to help make their Concord education possible.
West Virginia students make up the majority of the first-time freshman class, with 338 students representing 27 counties across the state. Concord’s reach extends well beyond West Virginia, with 144 students coming from 20 other states and 22 international students representing 15 countries.
Concord is also welcoming 342 new student-athletes this fall, the largest incoming student-athlete class in University history. This fall also marks the addition of women’s wrestling and triathlon to Concord’s intercollegiate athletics programs. The group of new student-athletes includes both first-year and transfer students who will compete as Mountain Lions while pursuing their academic goals at Concord.
The first-time freshman class also brings a wide range of academic interests to Concord, with students planning to pursue 24 different majors. Business administration leads with 114 students, followed by nursing with 61, health sciences with 51, elementary education with 50, and biology with 39.
Concord is also welcoming its second cohort of students in the University’s Physician Assistant program, further contributing to the growth and breadth of Concord’s healthcare-related academic programs.
Concord University Board of Governors Chair Dr. Santina St. John said the University’s growth is especially meaningful to her as a member of a family with five generations of Concord graduates.
“Concord’s mission has long focused on improving students’ lives and building communities through education and service. It has certainly enriched my family’s life and with Concord University’s dedicated faculty and staff giving their all to the students and the university, we will continue to grow into the future,” Dr. St. John said. “The Board of Governors welcomes the freshmen class and all Concord University students back on campus for the fall semester and we hope you have an exciting new year!”
New students arrived on campus over the weekend and participated in Mountain Lion Launch, Concord’s new orientation experience for first-year students. The program gave students opportunities to connect with classmates, meet faculty and staff, and explore campus resources before the start of classes. As the Fall 2026 semester gets underway, Concord begins the academic year with strong enrollment momentum and a new generation of Mountain Lions ready to make their mark.
