WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 23, 2024) —For the third consecutive year, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has welcomed its largest incoming class in the institution’s 56-year history.
A total of 958 first-year traditional undergraduate students enrolled in PBA this fall, bringing the university’s overall enrollment to 4,147.
This rise in attendees reflects increased interest in PBA’s Christ-centered, whole-person education—at a time when many higher education institutions struggle with significant enrollment plateaus or declines. PBA’s growth also mirrors South Florida’s rapid economic growth in recent years.
“We are extremely grateful for our faculty, staff, and supporters, whose commitment to our mission of equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly, plays a pivotal role in our growing reputation,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA president. “We look forward to seeing how this incoming class transforms into the next generation of servant leaders and world changers.”
This incoming class of traditional undergraduate students grew by 13.5 percent year over year. PBA’s student body now includes international students from over 80 countries, including India, Venezuela, Germany and the United Kingdom.
PBA’s enrollment growth complements its increased application growth. In June, PBA was ranked third in the nation for application growth compared to pre-COVID levels, according to an analysis by Numerade using National Center for Education Statistics data.
“Our team has been dedicated to raising awareness about PBA’s mission, vision and exceptional academic programs both nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Nancy Brainard, executive vice president of enrollment management. “When families discover that there’s a Christian institution of higher learning in such a beautiful and strategically located setting, their interest is sparked. The world-class opportunities available here are truly exciting and life-changing.”
To accommodate PBA’s rapid growth, the university launched its God-Sized Dreams campaign in 2022. The capital campaign targets four major construction projects that will enable PBA to further respond to market changes, expand in-demand programs, build innovative spaces, and further its mission.
PBA’s continued enrollment increase and physical expansion also come as the West Palm Beach community continues to experience remarkable growth, garnering attention on a national scale as “Wall Street South.” The Business Development Board reports that approximately 100 corporations have migrated to Palm Beach County since 2019, including industry giants like Goldman Sachs, NewDay USA, Tremblant Capital and GTCR.
To learn more about the campaign, visit godsizeddreams.pba.edu.
PBA Fast Facts
- From 2019 to 2023, PBA saw a 305.5 percent increase in applications, with 6,220 total applicants in the 2022-2023 academic year.
- A total of 958 first-year and transfer undergraduates joined this fall, bringing PBA’s overall enrollment to 4,147. The other record-breaking years occurred in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
- PBA offers over 100 different programs and pathways, complemented by its commitment to research & innovation and specialized credentials, one of which—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—places PBA in the top 6 percent of global business schools.
- Top undergraduate programs are nursing, biology, psychology, exercise science, marketing, business administration, management, elementary education, finance, business administration + MBA, pre-law and communication.
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About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.