BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Wesleyan University welcomed its largest incoming class in 15 years for the 2025-26 academic year.
As of Sept. 8, which marked the 10th day of the semester, 595 new students have joined the 1,084 other Titans enrolled at IWU. That is the highest number of incoming students since 613 students were enrolled in the 2010-11 academic year.
“Even as the landscape of higher education shifts, we keep students at the center of everything we do,” said President Sheahon Zenger. “We know that the skills our students develop through a liberal arts education are more valued than ever by employers, such as critical thinking, strong communication and adaptability. While popular misconceptions about the value of a college degree may persist, we will let our outcomes speak for themselves.”
Of the new cohort, 544 are first-year students and 51 transferred from other institutions. The class is represented by four countries other than the U.S. and 27 different states. Thirty percent of the class are first-generation college attendees, 47% are student athletes and 39% identify as students of color. Top majors for new students include nursing, business, psychology, biology and finance.
Dean of Admissions Olivia Braun points to the dedication of the University’s admissions counselors whose passion for connecting with students has been instrumental in attracting this new class of Titans to campus.
“Their commitment has been pivotal in bringing such a talented and dynamic class of Titans to our community. At the same time, this milestone is not ours alone. It is the result of a campus-wide effort, and I am deeply grateful to our faculty, staff, coaches and colleagues across every department who play such an important role in welcoming and supporting our students. It truly takes all of us working together, and we will need that same spirit of collaboration as we look to the future," said Braun.
As Illinois Wesleyan marks its 175th year, the University continues to expand its outreach to students across the region. In the fall of 2024, Illinois Wesleyan announced a direct admission initiative for all eligible seniors at five Bloomington-Normal high schools. This fall, 13% of the total new students enrolled at IWU are from McLean County, up from 10% in 2024-25.
Since assuming the presidency in 2024, President Zenger has emphasized strengthening Illinois Wesleyan’s relationship with Bloomington-Normal and the surrounding community. He launched the Annual Back to School BBQ to bring together alumni, employees, and friends of the University, and is leading initiatives to enhance campus perimeter signage — showcasing Illinois Wesleyan as an academic destination at the heart of the Midwest.
“Illinois Wesleyan attracts gifted students from around the globe, but we also want to keep building on our 175-year relationship with the vibrant families, schools and community leaders in our own backyard,” said Zenger.
Students arrived on campus this fall to find a freshly remodeled dining center in Bertholf Commons, an overhaul to residential space at Donnocker Hall and the new Petrick Idea Center taking shape.
In recent years, Illinois Wesleyan has rolled out new offerings based on the interests of students, including majors in Physical Education, Sociology-Criminology, Nutrition, Supply Chain Management and Communication; as well as new athletic programs in wrestling and women’s flag football.
“These updates, with more to come, prove that Illinois Wesleyan is a modern and vibrant university that holds true to its institutional values and traditions,” said Zenger. “We look forward to building on this momentum.”