Wilson College Continues Growth with Record Fall Enrollment

Wilson College has continued its multi-year trend of intentional growth, reaching its highest-ever point-in-time enrollment for the start of the Fall 2026 semester with 2,089 students enrolled across all programs. This reflects an 11% increase over Fall 2025 enrollment and marks a historic milestone as Wilson surpassed its highest traditional, in-person enrollment, since in 1968, and achieved its largest residential student population since 1970. 

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This total includes all traditional undergraduate, graduate, online, and professional programs. By expanding online and hybrid learning opportunities while maintaining a strong residential experience, Wilson has diversified its enrollment base and reduced reliance on any single student population. 

"Wilson is reaching more students than ever before as we continue to invest in programs and services that help students access higher education and persist through graduation," said President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. "We are investing in the programs students want, providing the support they need to succeed, and ensuring that a Wilson education remains affordable and accessible.” 

The official fall enrollment will be finalized in October after enrollments for the Fall 2 term have commenced. However, early indicators suggest strong demand continues across many of Wilson's signature academic areas, including animal studies, veterinary nursing, health sciences, business, education, psychology, biology, art and design, and the rapidly growing computer science and cybersecurity programs.  

Education programs remain among Wilson’s greatest strengths. The College's Teacher Certification Program serves more than 487 students and, when combined with undergraduate and graduate education programs, more than half of Wilson students are preparing for careers in education. 

Wilson has also strengthened its commitment to student success through investments in advising, retention, and support services. The College established the RISE Center (Resources Inspiring Student Excellence), bringing together tutoring, accessibility services, success coaching, testing services, and personal librarians in one centralized location. Wilson also added a Dean of Student Success and expanded coaching services to support student retention and degree completion. As a result of these initiatives, the College recorded increases in undergraduate student persistence year to year—8 percentage points from second to third year, and 6 percentage points from third to fourth year. 

Additionally, the College recently expanded its graduate and professional offerings with the launch of its Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Wilson's King of Prussia campus. Additional healthcare programs, including a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, will begin classes in 2027, supporting regional workforce needs while creating new pathways for student enrollment and career advancement.