CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Thomas More University records its second-largest opening enrollment in history, rising to 2,367 – an increase of 21% in total enrollment from fall 2023. Student persistence for traditional, undergraduate students improves by 6 percentage points, from 80% to 86%, since 2019. These significant increases reflect the University’s continued dedication to providing a personalized, comprehensive Catholic liberal arts education that prepares students for life-long success.

“Not only is Thomas More University growing its enrollment, but we also saw improvement in the overall GPA of our entering students to a 3.76 and more students completing Thomas More dual credit courses. These gains, particularly in persistence and retention, are demonstrative of the diligent work of our admissions team in carefully selecting each student for the incoming class,” says Justin Vogel, dean of admissions for Thomas More University.

The University will calculate its retention rate in October with its fall census enrollment report and anticipates reporting an increase. The fall 2024 semester also marks the second-largest population of students living in Thomas More’s residence halls in its century-long history, with 465 students residing on campus.

“Thomas More is shaping its future through innovation and agility. We are investing in our campus, including a new, state-of-the-art Academic Center and enhanced athletic facilities, expanding our academic programs, and making strides to strengthen our student experience so that everyone who joins the Thomas More community has an opportunity to pursue and complete a degree in a vibrant, values-driven environment,” says Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D.

Fall of 2024 is also the first time classes are held in Thomas More’s new, 34,000 square-foot Academic Center, home to the Robert W. Plaster College of Business, the Dr. Anthony ’65 and Geraldine ’66 Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Center for Faith, Mission and Catholic Education. The opening of the Academic Center comes as Thomas More enters its third year as a provisional member of the NCAA Division II, offering opportunities to compete as part of highly-competitive athletics teams.

About Thomas More University

Founded in 1921, Thomas More University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, challenging students to Make It More. Deeply rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, this timeless foundation supports a transformative educational experience as students looking to Be More are guided in the pursuit of knowledge, ethical leadership, and the integration of faith and reason. Through the high-quality, liberal arts education provided at Thomas More, students examine the ultimate meaning of life, their place in the world, and their responsibility to others which leads to the ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the world. Serving more than 2,300 students, Thomas More takes its place as the premier Catholic university in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, being named one of the 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristen Gallagher, director of communications & PR, [email protected], 859-344-3309