“How some Georgia colleges defy trend toward enrollment drops” – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

By Vanessa McCray, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nov 28, 2022

Something unprecedented happened this fall at Oglethorpe University, where stately Gothic revival architecture gives an academic gravitas to the private Brookhaven campus.

A record number of first-year students — 425 — enrolled at the school, pushing Oglethorpe to its highest student count since its founding in 1835. This year’s total enrollment of 1,494 is up only a few dozen over last year, but leaders are optimistic as they look to grow at a time when many colleges are suffering declines.

Oglethorpe’s president believes its close-knit campus, student supports such as mental health services and diversity are drawing students.

“A small liberal arts college gives what many students need right now, particularly after the pandemic,” said Nick Ladany.

The state’s private and public colleges experienced …