Lipscomb University tops 5,000 students for first time, sets second consecutive all-time enrollment record

Lipscomb University tops 5,000 students for first time, sets second consecutive all-time enrollment record

Record undergraduate and graduate enrollment, strong retention and growing national recognition highlight university's continued momentum

Kim Chaudoin | 08/31/2026

Lipscomb University has surpassed 5,000 students for the first time in its 135-year history, reaching a record enrollment of 5,007 students for fall 2026 and setting a new all-time enrollment record for the second consecutive year.

The historic total, recorded on the university's official census, includes a record 3,061 undergraduate students and an all-time high 1,946 graduate students. The university's official census is taken on the 14th day after classes begin.

"This is an exciting milestone in Lipscomb's history and a meaningful reflection of the tremendous momentum we are experiencing across the university," said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "More importantly, behind this record number are 5,007 individual students who have chosen Lipscomb for an academically rigorous, Christ-centered education that will prepare them for lives of purpose. We are grateful for the confidence students and families continue to place in Lipscomb and for the faculty and staff who create the transformative experiences that make this such a special community."

Lipscomb began the 2026-27 academic year with record first-day enrollment, and the student population continued to grow through the university's official census date. The new record surpasses last year's all-time enrollment record and marks another significant milestone in the university's long-term growth. Lipscomb first topped 4,000 university students in fall 2011, when official enrollment reached 4,018.

Combined with more than 1,400 students enrolled at Lipscomb Academy, the university's age 2 through 12th grade college preparatory school, the Lipscomb community is serving nearly 6,500 students this fall.

"Reaching 5,000 students is an important milestone, but what is particularly encouraging is the strength we are seeing across multiple areas of enrollment," said Byron Lewis, vice president of enrollment. "We have record undergraduate and graduate enrollment, continued growth in key programs and encouraging gains in student retention. These results reflect the work of people across the university and the growing number of students who see the value of the distinctive educational experience Lipscomb provides."

This fall's enrollment includes the first cohort in Lipscomb's new Master of Science in Anesthesiology program, one of several academic offerings developed in response to emerging workforce needs. The university also recorded increases in sophomore-to-junior, junior-to-senior and first-year transfer retention. The strong fall enrollment follows one of Lipscomb's strongest summer terms in recent years, further reflecting sustained enrollment momentum.

Retention results are reinforced by continued strength in student satisfaction and employee engagement. In Lipscomb's annual student satisfaction survey, overall student satisfaction improved in nearly 80% of the indicators measured. The university also begins the academic year with the strongest faculty and staff retention rate in its history at 95%.

The enrollment milestone comes during a period of significant momentum for Lipscomb. This summer, the university completed its Impact 360 strategic plan, which helped drive growth and investment in academics, research, the student experience and campus infrastructure. In August, Lipscomb launched Lipscomb Rising 2030, a new strategic vision designed to build on that foundation and guide the university's continued growth and impact through the end of the decade.

"For 135 years, Lipscomb has continually evolved to meet the needs of students and the communities we serve while remaining firmly grounded in our mission," said McQueen. "As we begin the work of Lipscomb Rising 2030, this milestone provides tremendous encouragement. We are building on a strong foundation and looking ahead with great optimism about the opportunities to expand Lipscomb's reach, deepen our impact and serve even more learners in the years ahead."

Lipscomb's sustained enrollment growth coincides with increasing recognition of the university on the national stage. Most recently, Lipscomb was named to TIME's inaugural America's Best Colleges list for 2026-27. Released Aug. 25, the ranking, developed by TIME in partnership with global data and business intelligence firm Statista, placed Lipscomb among 500 colleges and universities nationwide recognized for student outcomes, learning environment and value. Lipscomb is one of only eight Tennessee institutions included and one of two in Nashville, joining Vanderbilt University.

The university also received a four-star rating in Money's 2026 Best Colleges rankings for the second consecutive year and climbed 22 places among National Universities in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges rankings. Lipscomb was named a 2026-27 College of Distinction, included in Forbes' 2026 Top Colleges rankings and recognized by Phi Theta Kappa for excellence in serving transfer students for the 10th consecutive year.

The university is celebrating its 135th anniversary throughout the 2026-27 academic year. Founded in Nashville in 1891, Lipscomb has grown from its beginnings as the Nashville Bible School with nine students to a nationally recognized university offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs while remaining committed to its mission as a Christ-centered community to prepare students for lives of purpose.

Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Lipscomb University is one of the few institutions in the nation offering educational pathways from age two through the doctoral level. Students can begin their journey at Lipscomb Academy's SEED School and continue through a full spectrum of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs-making Lipscomb a unique two-year-old to Ph.D. institution. Founded in 1891, Lipscomb is deeply embedded in the Middle Tennessee community, committed to shaping lives of character, leadership and service. Its rigorous academic programs are paired with life-transforming experiences, all guided by a mission to prepare students for lives of purpose. For more information, visit https://www.lipscomb.edu.