Walking across campus this fall, you can feel the energy. Residence halls are buzzing, the Nazareth Dining Hall is packed with hungry students, and the stands at Draper Walsh Stadium are full of fans cheering on the Mighty Macs. For many students, this is their first taste of independence—and their first step toward a future they’ve worked hard to reach.
Parents are also taking notice. One mom of an incoming freshman posted on the Dorm Room Mamas Facebook page: “I have to say my daughter moved into Immaculata University Thursday and is absolutely thriving, happy, making friends and loving it,” wrote Kelly Scap on Aug. 25, 2025.
This fall, over 450 freshmen and transfer students made up the largest incoming class in school history, bringing new energy and perspectives to the university. Total enrollment for all students for the fall semester stands at 2,785.
The path to enrollment begins with a single inquiry, and more students are taking that first step. Undergraduate applications have surged in recent years, growing from 1,940 in 2023 to 2,573 in 2024—a 33% increase. In 2025, they climbed to 3,345, another 30% jump that continues the upward trend. Graduate and adult professional programs also saw more interest.
Beyond the Numbers
University leaders say the record-setting class reflects more than just growth.
“It is both gratifying and exciting to see the hard work of the IU community pay off,” said Immaculata President Barbara Lettiere, a 1972 graduate. “In this highly competitive and challenging market, Immaculata made great strides in admissions strategies to market our programs.”
That momentum is visible across campus. With approximately 75% of incoming students choosing to live in university housing, the University renovated Gillet Hall—a former residence for Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), who worked at the University—and transformed it into a vibrant student living space. The facility now accommodates 56 students across 10 double-occupancy and 36 single-occupancy rooms.
“We’re thrilled to see that right off the bat, our new students are both eager and excited to get involved outside of the classroom,” said Mary Kate Shields, associate dean of students and director of residence life and housing. She noted strong attendance at Welcome Week events and expects the enthusiasm to continue throughout the year.
A key ingredient for a vibrant campus is retention and Immaculata’s numbers in this area remain strong, with 95% of freshmen returning for their sophomore year. Graduate student retention is also strong at 94%.
The Class of 2029 is also one of the most diverse in Immaculata’s history, representing a growing range of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Many are the first in their families to attend college, while others traveled from as far as California, Colorado, Nebraska, Florida, Peru and England to join the IU community.
Building Community
Faculty and staff say their focus is on ensuring that every student feels welcome in such a large incoming class. Orientation leaders, residence life staff, professors and staff all played key roles in helping new students settle in and not get lost in the crowd.
Students are already noticing the support. Bailey Kassis ’29, a politics, law and policy major on the pre-law track, said she chose Immaculata for the chance to build stronger relationships with professors and peers.
“As a commuter, I have found it to be easier to make friends than I expected, and everyone I’ve talked to has been eager to get the semester started,” Kassis said. “We’re discussing the concept of balance right now in our first-year seminar course, and I think Immaculata makes it very easy to find balance within the first few weeks of the semester, helping to ease us into college life.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond the numbers, Immaculata’s enrollment milestone highlights the University’s ability to adapt in an ever-shifting higher education landscape. From launching programs in high-demand fields to expanding wellness resources and investing in student life, Immaculata is listening—and delivering—on what students and families value most.
Of course, the ultimate return on investment is clear: a job after graduation. Here, too, Immaculata is making its mark. For the Class of 2024, 92% of traditional undergraduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. (based on data gathered about 87% of graduates.)
If the first months of the semester are any indication, the future looks bright for both students and the University.
