Announcements
Aug 29, 2025
August 28, 2025
Marshall, TX – As conversations about college-going rates dominate the headlines, Wiley University has just opened the semester with the highest enrollment numbers since 2018, disrupting recent narratives of who is accessing higher education, at least at the institution.
On Monday, August 26, the Wiley University Division of Enrollment Management reported that it has successfully seated the incoming class, and the institution is announcing a 29.2% increase in enrollment, welcoming over 230 new students to the campus community. The fall 2025 enrollment brought the institution from 665 in 2021 to 1,014. This achievement is more than just a number—it reflects Wiley University’s strength, resilience, and continued commitment to providing access to higher education at a time when many colleges and universities nationwide face enrollment challenges.
Our success is a textbook example of enrollment management, establishing that such increases are almost unheard of at small, private HBCUs. We are excited to be in the national conversation with a comeback story of a 50%+ four-year increase, signaling what is possible for small private HBCUs.
Enrollment Management Success Story
The success of our enrollment approach has generated one of the most comprehensive manifestations of our unique community of scholars, debaters, activists, leaders, athletes, and vocalists. The student breakdown:
41% Male student body / 59% Female student body
Largest Class: Sophomores (205 students, 20.34% of total enrollment)
Graduate Enrollment: 149 total, including 106 new (14.78%)
First-Time Freshmen: 182 (18.05%)
Transfers & Readmits: 47 freshmen, 45 sophomores
Countries Represented (13): Anguilla, Bahamas, Canada, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan, Costa Rica, England, Italy, Chile, Ecuador, Netherlands, Kenya
Top 5 States Represented:
Texas – 60% (in-state residents)
Louisiana – 23%
Florida
California
Arkansas
Top Sports: Baseball; Men’s & Women’s Track & Field; Men’s & Women’s Soccer
“The University has been trending toward this moment since the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year we have seen increases in our enrollment, and this year we have succeeded in hitting our goal of 1,000+ students, taking us back to pre-COVID enrollments.” – Dr. Danielle Sims Brooks, Vice President for Enrollment Management
The growth is part of a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy. Wiley University has achieved the highest enrollment increase since 2018, far outpacing national averages for small, private HBCUs—firmly positioning Wiley University as a leader in enrollment momentum.
Institutional Impact
“What is happening at Wiley University is not accidental. The institution has intentionally focused on increasing retention and completion rates while marching toward the 1,000-student benchmark. We have been focused on reducing the narrative that HBCUs don’t retain students, and our success has led to our incredible growth in enrollment. Wiley University continues to balance affordability at $17,500 and accessibility while serving a wide range of students—ranging from the most underserved and underprepared to the highest-performing scholars. What we have done here is recognize the importance of HBCU culture and leveraged it in new ways to generate outstanding outcomes.” – President and CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr.
The growth represents more than institutional success; it means expanded opportunities for students and lasting impact for the HBCU ecosystem, the Marshall community, and beyond. More students on campus bring new energy and resources to the region, ensuring Wiley University remains an anchor institution dedicated to social good and leadership.
At a time when all small private institutions and HBCUs across the nation face enrollment uncertainty, Wiley University’s ability to grow demonstrates resilience, relevance, and the effectiveness of its Bold and Audacious Vision.
For more information about Wiley University, please contact Catherine G. Sellers, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, at wileyu.communications@gmail.com or (903) 927-3386.
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About Wiley University:
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal arts institution related to the United Methodist Church. The university is dedicated to fostering social good and developing leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
