Freshman class of 2025 orientation photo – Photo by aquinascollegegr instagram
The incoming class of 2025
By: Ashlyn Armock, Arts Editor
The incoming class of 2025 is one of the largest class sizes since 2018. In comparison to previous enrollment, this incoming class has around 100 more students than last year.
Over 415 students make up the entering freshman class, including 38 newly enrolled nursing students and 57 transfer students. The transfer students include, but are not limited to, schools such as Alma College and Sienna Heights University.
Outside of Aquinas’ Admissions office – Photo by Ashlyn Armock
The large class size was probably in part due to changes made by the admissions department. The admissions office made a goal to make the application process simpler. In order to accomplish this, the school is waiving standardized testing scores, letters of recommendation, and application essays. This helped open up the possibility of a higher education to more students, thus resulting in more student enrollment.
Another possibility includes the effects that covid had on education finally wearing off. According to a study done by College Board Research, “compared to the 2019 cohort, first-year retention rates of the class of 2020 students declined by 4.5% for those enrolled at public two-year colleges, by 3.5% at public four-year colleges, and by 0.9% at private nonprofit four-year colleges.” With it now being five years since Covid, schools are starting to bounce back with higher enrollment and retention rates.
While switching to another college can feel intimidating, many transfer students this year are approaching Aquinas with open minds and positive attitudes. “I am just really excited for all the music opportunities I get.” said Amelia Huysentruyt, a junior music education major who transferred from Sienna Heights. “I’m also excited to work with all the new people.”
With the changes to the admissions process and the effects of Covid finally wearing off, the likelihood of growth in future in-coming class is high.
The Saint 