Too early to predict class of 2023 size, Davidson says

As of Feb. 18, Augustana has received 162 deposits and 1,885 applications from high school seniors interested in attending the college this fall, according to Nancy Davidson, vice president for enrollment.

However, Davidson said there is no definite answer if next year’s freshman class will be larger than 2018’s freshman class of 455.

“May 1 is the national candidate reply date so we’ll know more then,” Davidson said. “We would like to see an increase but it is a little bit early for us to predict for sure what will happen”

So far, the university has hosted 170 distinguished scholars this academic year. On Feb. 24, it invited 93 scholars to campus. Those who cannot make it will be offered special interviews, Davidson said.

The graduating class of 2019, which started with 367 students, was the smallest class in the last five years. The classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 started with 421, 481 and 455 students respectively.

Corey Kopp, director of Campus Life, said the university had reorganized housing to accommodate the class of 2021.

“The Endeavour program actually was born out of that very thing,” said Kopp. “The thought was if we’re going to have to create additional space in the other buildings, Tuve makes the most sense.”

Davidson said it has been hard for international students to gain visas and that is affecting enrollment.

“If you don’t get a visa, you can’t come to Augustana,” Davidson said. “So we had some students that had committed to come, but weren’t able to get here.”

There have been a lot of changes happening around campus in hopes that it will intrigue prospective high school students to choose Augustana as their future school, Davidson said.

Augustana’s Division I announcement has been part of the 2030 vision board to build on Augustana’s reputation.

“Announcing a move to Division I athletics as part of our overall 2030 Vision will certainly be attractive to some students,” Davidson said. “All of the goals outlined in Vision 2030 will foster enrollment growth, build upon the university’s legacy of excellence, and allow AU to thrive in the years ahead.”