Randolph reports another year of historic enrollment

Randolph College is set to welcome a historic, record-breaking incoming class when new students arrive on campus Monday, August 18. For the second year in a row, the College will enroll its largest incoming class in history—and total enrollment is also projected to exceed all previous records.

This fall, 279 first-year students and 29 transfer students will join the Randolph community, bringing the total number of new students to 308. Overall headcount is expected to reach 930. Though enrollment numbers will not be official until the census in September, these numbers represent significant growth over the past five years:

● 104% increase in first-year students

● 95% increase in total new students

● 64% increase in total headcount

“This momentum is a direct result of bold, innovative strategies we’ve implemented to reimagine the college experience for today’s students,” said Sue Ott Rowlands, president of Randolph College. “We’re delivering the kind of high-impact, student-focused education that prepares graduates for meaningful lives and careers—and students are responding.”

Innovative Curriculum: TAKE2
A cornerstone of Randolph’s transformation is TAKE2, a distinctive academic model that allows students to take just two classes at a time in intensive, seven-week sessions. With no classes on Wednesdays, TAKE2 provides students with flexibility and focus—while still allowing them to graduate on time. In today’s fast-paced world, students and families increasingly recognize the value of innovative programs like TAKE2—not only as a more effective way to learn, but also as a model that supports mental well-being and allows students to fully engage in all aspects of the college experience.

New Academic and Athletic Programs
Since 2023, Randolph has added:

● Nine new undergraduate majors, including:
o Computer Science
o Cybersecurity
o Mechanical Engineering
o Robotics & Mechatronics Engineering
o Criminal Justice/Criminology
o Film and Video
o Marine Science
o Cognitive Science
o Integrative Studies

● Three graduate programs:
o Master of Education (online)
o Master of Fine Arts in Theatre
o Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration (launching in 2026)

● An Honors Program, providing a rigorous, interdisciplinary experience for high-achieving students.

Additionally, Randolph has expanded its athletics offerings to include four new teams:
● Men’s Wrestling
● Women’s Wrestling
● Men’s Volleyball
● STUNT

“These new academic and athletic programs not only reflect student interests but also position Randolph as a forward-looking institution that’s preparing students for the future,” said Travis Carter, vice president for enrollment management.

Commitment to Affordability

Randolph continues to prioritize affordability, with robust financial aid offerings and special initiatives that support access for local students.

“Affordability matters,” Carter added. “We are committed to making a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and achievable for all students. That is also one of the reasons we have a special financial aid program for students from our local area. You don’t have to go far away to a big school to receive an excellent, life-changing education that allows students to receive individual attention, unique opportunities, and the experiences necessary to be successful after graduation.”