Wiley University continues its enrollment momentum this fall, reaching 1,137 students for Fall 2026, a 14.5% increase over Fall 2025 and the University’s largest enrollment in recent memory.
The University also welcomed 551 new students, a 5.2% increase from Fall 2025, while significant growth among returning students helped drive Wiley University’s overall enrollment increase.
Of the 144 additional students enrolled this fall, 117 are returning students, meaning 81% of Wiley University’s overall enrollment growth came from retention. Returning student enrollment increased 24.9% over the previous year.
The Fall 2026 census data also reflects continued progress in student persistence. Wiley University’s fall to fall retention rate reached 69.2%, while freshman retention increased 20 percentage points in two years, from 45.9% to 65.9%.
Students are also enrolling in more credit hours. Total credit hours taught increased 15.7% to 16,509, growing at a faster rate than overall student headcount.
A Growing National and International Reach
Wiley University’s newest Wildcats represent 34 states and 12 countries, including The Bahamas, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Nigeria, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Texas continues to lead the incoming class with 286 students, followed by Louisiana, Georgia, California, and Florida. Houston is the most represented hometown, followed by Shreveport, Marshall, Fort Worth, Milwaukee, Dallas, and Memphis.
The incoming class has an average high school GPA of 3.04. More than 52% of students with a reported GPA earned a 3.0 or higher, nearly 30% earned a 3.5 or higher, and 87 students reported a 4.0 GPA or higher.
The class is 59% women and 41% men. Biology, Criminal Justice Administration, and Management are the three most popular intended majors, together representing approximately 45% of the incoming class.
Wiley University also welcomed 68 alumni who returned to pursue a second credential, reflecting continued engagement with the institution beyond the completion of an initial degree.
The Fall 2026 enrollment results build on Wiley University’s recent growth and reflect continued progress in recruitment, retention, academic engagement, and the University’s national and international reach.
For more information about Wiley University, please contact Catherine G. Sellers, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Brand Management, at comunications@wileyc.edu or visit www.wileyc.edu.
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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.
