Midway University Marks 11th Consecutive Year of Enrollment and Net Revenue Growth
Growth comes as colleges nationwide confront a shrinking pool of college-age students
Midway, KY (09/15/2026) — Midway University has recorded its 11th consecutive year of enrollment growth, with 2,090 students enrolled this fall, a 3.2% increase over last year's total of 2,025. The gains were led by a rise in traditional-age undergraduates, a notable achievement as colleges across the country grapple with a shrinking pool of college-age students, often called the "demographic cliff." Midway's traditional undergraduate population grew by 4%, driven by both new and returning students. First-time freshman enrollment climbed to 328, the second-largest incoming freshman class in the university's history.
This fall also marks an 11th consecutive year of net revenue growth. Notably, the university achieved this increase without raising its tuition discount rate while remaining affordable, underscoring the sustainability of the gains. As a result of the growth in both enrollment and net revenue, Midway University continues to construct and renovate buildings without incurring new debt, making $42 million in campus improvements since 2018. The James A. and Martha R. Brown Library will open in early January 2027, a new athletic field house will be completed later this fall, and the existing library was converted into a fourth residence hall in time for the fall semester.
The university also saw strong growth in its dual credit program, which allows high school students to earn college credit before graduation. Dual credit enrollment rose by 18.8%, fueled largely by returning participants. University officials point to the program as both a pipeline for future traditional enrollment and a growing point of connection with regional high schools.
"Midway University's fall enrollment reflects gains across multiple student populations, reinforcing the university's position as a stable and growing institution in Kentucky higher education," said Dr. John P. Marsden, president of Midway University.
Midway University is a private, coeducational university with a working horse farm located in Midway, Kentucky. Chartered in 1847, Midway serves more than 2,000 students in traditional semester undergraduate programs, accelerated format evening and online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as dual credit programs. Midway University is known for offering affordable, career-focused majors such as education, business, nursing, equine studies, exercise science, sport management, psychology, criminal justice, and computer science.
More information is available online at www.midway.edu or www.gomidwayeagles.com.
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