Elon University’s fall 2025 registrar’s report shows shifting enrollment trends across academic programs, with graduate studies and engineering on the rise and communications seeing a decline.
The shifting trends in enrollment come as enrollment for the class of 2029 has decreased by 11.6%.
Graduate enrollment increased from 787 students in fall 2024 to 879 in 2025, marking a growth of almost 100 students. Elon’s engineering programs also expanded, growing from 156 students last year to 189 this year. Nursing followed a similar trend, climbing from 222 students in 2024 to 262 in 2025.
Scott Wolter, chair of the engineering department, said the program has grown steadily since its launch in 2018.
Wolter points to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accreditation and the addition of Innovation and Founders halls for the increase in engineering enrollment.
Elon University plans to combine the engineering department with computer science to create a School of Engineering and Computing.
“We are excited for the continued growth of our program as we strive to provide innovative engineering education to meet the needs of the 21st century,” Wolter said.
Since the nursing program’s establishment in 2021, the program has grown to 262 students. Cathy Quay, the program director for the department of nursing wrote in a statement to Elon News Network the program has the capacity to enroll up to 280 students. Elon’s nursing program received accreditation earlier this year, four years after launching in 2021.
“Enrollment growth is fueled by strong demand for nursing careers amid a national shortage and by the appeal of Elon’s direct-admit model and distinctive student experience,” Quay wrote.
Quay also wrote that the program has expanded lab space, simulation opportunities and clinical placements to ensure students receive high-quality preparation.
“Retention remains strong, and we anticipate continued growth and demand,” Quay wrote.
The School of Communications saw a more significant decrease, with freshman student enrollment dropping from 1,221 students in 2024 to 1,089 students in 2025.
Kenn Gaither, the dean of the School of Communications, wrote a statement to Elon News Network the decline reflects national demographic trends and shifting student interest across majors.
“While a decline is never ideal, it is not unexpected. For several years, our faculty and staff have been preparing for these shifts by strengthening academic offerings to ensure graduates are industry-ready,” Gaither wrote.
Gaither pointed to a curriculum overhaul, the launch of a new digital content management major and the addition of two new minors — health communications and global film and cultures — as examples of efforts to adapt to student demand.
According to Gaither, 92.7% of graduates of the class of 2024 were either employed or in graduate school within nine months of graduation.
“Our graduates succeed, and that is the story we will continue to share with prospective students and their families,” Gaither said.