INDIANAPOLIS – For the second consecutive year, Marian University’s fall 2024-25 enrollment achieves historic totals with its largest-ever first-year class. This remarkable milestone includes welcoming over 1,200 new students seeking associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees enrolled in a campus-based or online programs.
Marian University in Indianapolis campus expects 535 new first-time full-time students on August 19, 2024, a 25 percent increase from fall 2020. The top five majors are Nursing, Biology, Marketing, Management, and Elementary Education. There has also been significant growth in students pursuing Psychology and Mechanical Engineering degrees.
Marian University’s Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana, expects a 27 percent increase in first-time full-time students. The top majors include associate degrees in Business, Exercise Science, and Education.
The Commission for Higher Education reports that only 53 percent of Hoosier high school graduates attend college. Marian is proud to report that 86 percent of new students are from the state of Indiana, with 61 percent from Central Indiana.
“Achieving our largest-ever first-year class and significant growth in students pursuing various degree types shows that Marian University’s brand of excellence, leadership, and Catholic Franciscan values is more attractive and valuable than ever,” said Kenith Britt, Ph.D., chancellor and chief operating officer. “Seeing this growth amid changes and challenges in higher education speaks volumes about the value of a Marian education. We are excited to welcome such a talented group of students, reflecting our dedication to preparing more transformational leaders who will go out and serve our great state and the world.”
The new class includes 39 percent of first-generation college students, up from 32 percent last year. As Indy’s Catholic University, Marian continues to welcome students from local and national Catholic high schools, with 19 percent of new students graduating from Catholic high schools.
Marian University annually awards nearly $46 million in scholarships and grants across its Indianapolis and Plymouth campuses, nursing sites in Indianapolis and Nashville, and online, reflecting our commitment to accessible education.
About Marian University
Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana, serving more than 5,100 students, including 4,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students, earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum provides hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities. Marian University has earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a national doctoral/professional university. In 2013, Marian University established its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first new school of medicine in Indiana in more than 100 years, and in 2023, opened the new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering as part of the university’s continuing efforts to graduate students that help meet the Midwest’s growing STEM workforce needs. The university also provides undergraduate nursing education at Marian University’s Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana. Marian's national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship, various track and field events, and nearly 50 USA Cycling national championships. Follow Marian University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and Twitter.