Palm Beach Florida Weekly

For the third consecutive year, Palm Beach Atlantic University 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.

"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," says 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."

PBA says the rise in attendees reflects increased interest in Christ-centered, whole-person education.

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.

"Our team has been dedicated to raising awareness about PBA's mission, vision and exceptional academic programs both nationally and internationally," says 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 worldclass opportunities available here are truly exciting and life changing."

In addition to enrollment, according to an analysis using National Center for Education Statistics data, PBA was recently ranked third in the nation for application growth compared to pre-COVID levels.