Manchester University is today announcing a record undergraduate enrollment increase in its first-year class and the largest incoming class in at least three decades.

Preliminary figures released Tuesday show that there are 441 first-year students, a 20 percent increase over Fall 2013 (367). Total University enrollment is now at 1,479, a 9.6 percent increase over Fall 2013 (1,349), bolstered by a 30 percent increase in transfers and new pharmacy enrollment.

Manchester has added 73 students to its College of Pharmacy doctoral program, making its total more than 200. The school got nearly 600 applications for those 73 spots and had a wait list of 100 qualified students.

“Over the past year, Manchester has gotten really clear about who we are and what we deliver. It’s clear that the University’s focus on affordable excellence is in high demand,” said Scott Ochander, vice president of admissions and marketing. “Manchester is an accepting and supportive place that helps young people find themselves.”

While there are a few new features on campus this year – a new sales major and competitive swimming program – he said the University and its growth are driven by its purpose to graduate persons of ability and conviction, and the transformational outcomes students receive through their time at Manchester.

Manchester offers a Triple Guarantee to students including guaranteed access to financial aid, guaranteed graduation in four years or less and guaranteed job or grad school placement within six months of graduation. “We are able to offer a guaranteed outcome like employment because we deliver” Ochander said. Manchester’s 10-year average for employment/grad school placement is higher than 95%.

“Manchester is a safe place to be yourself, and we simply ask students to be their best selves,” said new MU President Dave McFadden. “We want them to get involved learn who they want to be – and lead the ‘principled, productive and compassionate lives’ our mission statement espouses.”

The community of support around students is a point of distinction for Manchester. “The Manchester community strives to develop the whole person,” he said, “and that involves high expectations, dedication to service and appreciation of the infinite worth of every individual.”

In today’s market, there is a lot of talk about the value of higher education, Ochander said. “At Manchester University, we deliver.”

Year after year at least 95 percent of Manchester graduates entered the work force, continued their education full-time or joined full-time voluntary service within six months of graduation over the past 10 years. For 2013 grads, the placement rate was 97 percent.

Undergrads get an “employment guarantee.” – If they have taken advantage of Manchester’s services and opportunities and still don’t have a job or acceptance into a graduate school within six months of graduation, they may return for a year, tuition-free.

Manchester well-known for producing well-prepared professionals who are offered full-time positions months before they graduate and perform extremely well on the Uniform CPA exam.

Over the past five years, 89 percent of Manchester graduates who applied to med school were accepted. The national average is about 40 percent.

So do our pre-law and psychology students. Over the last decade, nearly 86 percent of Manchester applicants have gained admission to law school, while 100% of those seeking graduate psychology programs have been accepted. The national average is 75 percent for law school.

A full 100 percent of Manchester students receive financial aid. The average size of its financial aid package is about $23,000 per student. Most of that is gift aid that doesn’t have to be paid back.

Ochander said most Manchester students graduate in 4 years – some in three years– which greatly increases their earning power over the years and keeps student loan debt in check. The average Manchester student graduates with less than $30,000 of debt, which is lower than the national average.

“When you consider that the average college graduate in Indiana will earn well over a million dollars more than a high school graduate throughout their career, the affordability and outcomes of Manchester University make it a very easy investment choice.” Ochander said.

Source: Manchester University, Inside INdiana Business