News Summary
Lander University has announced a substantial increase in enrollment, with total fall enrollment reaching 4,605, marking a 21% rise in freshman enrollment. The university has successfully achieved a first-time freshman retention rate of 73%, surpassing the national average. While housing challenges persist, Lander has ensured all eligible students received on-campus assignments. Plans for future development include new facilities and an ambitious funding request for campus improvements. The university’s financial status is strong, exceeding budgetary goals significantly and increasing its endowment to $29 million.
Greenwood, SC — Lander University celebrated significant achievements during its September Board Meeting, reporting a remarkable growth in enrollment and detailing future development plans. The total enrollment for the fall 2024 semester reached 4,605, reflecting a 21% increase in freshman enrollment compared to the previous year. University President Richard Cosentino highlighted this growth as a milestone resulting from efforts over the last decade, with a first-time freshman retention rate hitting a record 73%, surpassing the national benchmark of 69%.
Despite the success in enrollment, housing remains a primary challenge as Lander admits more students than it can accommodate on-campus. However, the university announced that every student who applied for housing before June 1 received on-campus assignments. For late applicants, off-campus arrangements were made to ensure access to education, including leasing off-campus apartments and having upperclassmen volunteer to allow freshmen to stay on-campus. Plans are in place to build a new residence hall, which is expected to take three or more years to complete, pending state approvals and funding.
Financially, Lander University exceeded budgetary goals by $680,000 in the 2024-25 fiscal year and increased its cash position by $890,000. The university’s endowment funds have also reached a record $29 million. As part of its expansion strategy, Lander is preparing to request $30 million from the state for campus improvements. This funding request includes $10 million allocated for renovations to student centers and another $10 million for necessary campus repairs. Additionally, an additional request for $2.5 million aims to support tuition mitigation efforts to keep tuition rates stable.
Currently, nineteen projects valued at $40.2 million are underway, with more projects estimated at $10.5 million expected to start before year-end. The new Nursing Building is scheduled to open in January 2026, featuring simulation labs by fall 2026. Groundbreaking for the Information Commons is anticipated by the end of the year, and plans are set for the School of Business and Technology to relocate to a redesigned Jackson Library to accommodate expanding educational programs.
Lander University is also preparing to request funding for a new School of Education building to address the ongoing K-12 teacher shortages in the state. Additionally, the university is moving forward with plans for a Center for Artificial Intelligence to enhance teaching, research, and community resource integration.
Lastly, in the workforce development sector, nineteen new faculty members were welcomed for the academic year, and salary increases have been deemed vital for staff retention and support. Lander is working towards a goal of $1 million to expand faculty scholarship and student research opportunities.
Key Achievements
- Total enrollment for fall 2024: 4,605
- Freshman enrollment increase: 21%
- Retention rate: 73%
- Endowment funds: $29 million
- Budget surplus: $680,000
- New Nursing Building opening: January 2026
Future Plans
- Building new residence hall pending approvals
- Requesting $30 million for campus improvements
- Expanding faculty scholarship and student research opportunities
Current Projects
- Nineteen ongoing projects valued at $40.2 million
- Groundbreaking for Information Commons expected by year-end
- Relocation of School of Business and Technology to Jackson Library
Conclusion
Lander University is on a growth trajectory, balancing its increasing student population with strategic planning and community support initiatives. With a focus on expansion, Lander is well-positioned to address educational demands and enhance its infrastructure in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total enrollment for Lander University for the fall 2024 semester?
Total enrollment for the fall 2024 semester is 4,605, marking a 21% increase in freshman enrollment compared to last year.
What is Lander’s first-time freshman retention rate?
Lander’s first-time freshman retention rate reached a record 73%, surpassing the national benchmark of 69%.
What are the housing arrangements for students at Lander University?
Every student who applied for housing before June 1 has received on-campus assignments. Off-campus accommodations for late applicants were arranged to ensure access to education.
What plans does Lander University have for future housing?
Plans are underway to build a new residence hall, which may take three or more years to complete pending state approvals and funding.
What is the goal for faculty scholarship and student research opportunities at Lander?
Lander aims for a goal of $1 million to expand faculty scholarship and student research opportunities.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 4,605 |
| Freshman Enrollment Increase | 21% |
| Retention Rate | 73% |
| Endowment Funds | $29 million |
| Budget Surplus | $680,000 |
| New Nursing Building Opening | January 2026 |
| Future Housing Plans | New residence hall pending approvals |
| Funding Request to State | $30 million for campus improvements |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Lander University Achievements
- Wikipedia: Lander University
- Index Journal: Lander University Dorm Plans
- Google Search: Lander University
- GoLaurens: Lander University Enrollment Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Education
- SC Daily Gazette: Governor’s Proposal on Colleges
- Google News: Lander University Enrollment
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