December-January 2026
Engage!
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Welch College Experiences Highest Enrollment in 42 Years
GALLATIN, TN — Gallatin, TN — Welch College enrolled 440 students for the fall 2025 semester, the highest overall enrollment in
42 years, according to Matthew McAffee, provost.
The number represents a 10% jump from last fall’s enrollment of 399. The last fall semester the college recorded a higher overall enrollment was 1983, when total enrollment was 467. This overall growth coincides with a new, on-campus student enrollment, which, at 81, is at its highest number since before the pandemic. Full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment increased by 14% from last fall.
Traditional (dorm and commuter) enrollment climbed from 175 last fall to 217. This jump represents a 24% increase, the highest year-to-year increase in at least 73 years, since 1952, the earliest year records are available.
“Fall 2025 numbers signify a major increase in momentum in our efforts to attain sustainable growth as an institution,” McAffee said. “This enrollment increase has made a palpable impact on campus life, generating a sense of enthusiasm and excitement among our faculty, staff, and students. We thank the Lord for this answer to prayer!”
At press time, college officials reported 154 dormitory students (25 graduate students), 63 commuter students, 36 non-residential graduate students, 66 adult studies or online students, and 121 dual enrollment students. Full-time equivalency (FTE) numbered 286 students. Total enrollment statistics reflect students from 21 states, two territories, and eight other countries.
“We’ve been projecting and praying and hoping since 2020 that the fall of 2025 (after the two low COVID freshman classes cycled out) would indicate our ascent back up in enrollment,” Welch President Matt Pinson said. “Yet this unprecedented boost is larger than any of us anticipated. Thanks be to God for it!”
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