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VWU Reports Record Enrollment

For the eighth time in 10 years, Virginia Wesleyan University is celebrating record enrollment growth

University News | September 8, 2025
 
Virginia Wesleyan University anticipates a total enrollment of more than 5,100 students during the 2025-26 academic year across its on-campus and Global Campus programs.
 
VWU welcomed the largest fall class in its history with over 700 new degree-seeking students—more than 400 traditional undergraduates and 300 in Global Campus programs. “This milestone reflects the growing recognition of VWU’s value, the quality of our programs, and our commitment to student success,” said Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success.

The University now enrolls 1,600 students in traditional programs and 3,500 in Global Campus offerings, including online and talent development programs. New Marlins represent 30 countries and every region of the United States, with 65 percent coming from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The University’s Batten Honors College remains a premier program, attracting 10 applications for every available cohort spot.

“This historic enrollment underscores the strength and reputation of our University at a pivotal moment in its history,” said Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of the University. “As we prepare to become Batten University in July 2026, these numbers reflect confidence in our future and excitement about what’s ahead.”

Several initiatives continue to propel VWU’s growth, including new state-of-the-art facilities, innovative academic programs, and expanded community partnerships. This fall, the University launches VWU Chesapeake—a Prison Education Program serving inmates at St. Brides and Indian Creek Correctional Centers. In early 2026, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art relocates to a new facility on the VWU campus, and pending accreditation approval, the Sentara College of Health Sciences will integrate into the University later that spring.