News Summary
Lander University has achieved a historic milestone with the highest enrollment of 4,589 students, marking the 10th consecutive year of growth. The Class of 2029 welcomed 1,031 first-time freshmen, an increase of 21.7% from last year. The university is investing in infrastructure and enhancing educational experiences as it continues to attract students from across the globe, including diverse backgrounds from 307 high schools and 12 countries.
Greenwood, SC – Lander University has reached a historic milestone as it begins the 2025-26 academic year with the highest enrollment in its 153-year history. With a total student body of 4,589, the institution has seen a growth of 5.9% compared to last year, exceeding its enrollment target of 4,500 students.
This year marks the 10th consecutive year of growth for Lander University and the seventh consecutive year of record enrollment. Significantly, the incoming Class of 2029 is the largest ever at the university, featuring 1,031 first-time freshmen, an increase of 21.7% from the previous year. This influx of new students has been recognized as a remarkable achievement by university leadership.
The Class of 2029 includes students from 307 high schools across the globe, as well as nearly every county in South Carolina, and 28 U.S. states and 12 different countries. Out-of-state students have collectively traveled approximately 59,000 miles to attend the university, while international students have journeyed nearly 88,000 miles.
The most popular fields of study among the incoming freshmen continue to be nursing, business, and education, with biology and psychology also making significant contributions to enrollment figures. The Class of 2029 has an impressive average weighted GPA of 3.9 and has collectively earned 6,794 hours of college credit during high school, equivalent to about 58 college degrees.
In response to the rising enrollment numbers, Lander University is investing millions into enhancing its campus infrastructure. Notable developments include the forthcoming Nursing Experiential Learning Center, which is set to open in Fall 2026, alongside the construction of a new Information Commons facility, beginning later this year. The university has also undergone an academic restructuring to more effectively align its colleges and departments for an enriched career-focused educational experience.
This fall, nearly 30 new full-time faculty members joined the university, further enhancing the quality of education and faculty resources available to students. As students are welcomed to the campus, university officials have emphasized the commitment to providing access to high-quality academics and a vibrant student life experience at Lander University.
As enrollment continues to rise, the university’s plans for future enhancements and investments underline its focus on delivering exceptional educational opportunities and a supportive environment for all students.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 4,589 |
| Yearly Growth | 5.9% |
| First-Time Freshmen (Class of 2029) | 1,031 |
| Average Weighted GPA | 3.9 |
| College Credits Earned | 6,794 hours |
| Investment in Facilities | Millions into infrastructure, Nursing Learning Center opening Fall 2026 |
FAQ Section
What is the total enrollment at Lander University for the 2025-26 academic year?
The total enrollment at Lander University is 4,589 students.
What percentage increase in enrollment did Lander University experience compared to last year?
Lander University experienced a 5.9% increase in enrollment compared to the previous year.
What fields of study are the most popular among the incoming freshmen?
The most popular fields of study are nursing, business, education, biology, and psychology.
What is the average GPA of the Class of 2029?
The average weighted GPA of the Class of 2029 is 3.9.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lander University Welcomes Record Freshman Class
Lander University Welcomes Record Number of New Students
Greenwood Establishes Scholarships to Honor Local Students
Lander University Professor Joins Duke Energy Advisory Board
Lander University Hosts Mental Health Advocate Kevin Hines
Controversy Erupts Over Christmas Parade Theme in Greenwood
Greenwood Changes Christmas Parade Theme Amid Backlash
Lander University Pitcher Drafted by Philadelphia Phillies
Lander University Welcomes Its Largest Teaching Fellows Class
Greenwood Eagles Prepare for New Football Season
Additional Resources
- Lander University Enrollment News – Golaurens
- Fall 2024 Enrollment Growth – Golaurens
- Lander University Admissions – ThoughtCo
- Lander University Image – ThoughtCo
- MBA Enrollment at Lander University – Manning Live
- Wikipedia: Lander University
- Google Search: Lander University news
- Google Scholar: Lander University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lander University
- Google News: Lander University
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
