Pacific Union College Records Steady Enrollment Growth for New Academic Year

Pacific Union College continued to see an enrollment increase for the 2024-25 academic year, welcoming 1,000 students to its Angwin campus, education centers, and online programs—a rise from 930 last year.“

This enrollment growth is a testament to our Christ-centered mission, our strong academic programs, and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” PUC President Ralph Trecartin said. “Despite the challenges facing higher education, our steady growth reflects our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our students and the communities we serve.”

Gene Edelbach, vice president for enrollment, marketing, and communication, attributes the consistent growth over the past five years to several key efforts across campus.

PUC’s faculty, staff, and administration have focused on enhancing student retention by creating a welcoming, supportive environment that helps students feel at home.

Over the past four years, new programs and innovative course delivery methods have also drawn approximately 300 students who might not have enrolled otherwise.

One of the major growth areas this year has been the aviation program. In addition, PUC is highlighting the college’s strong allied health, pre-med, pre-dental, and engineering programs, as well as a new online Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program, to continue attracting new students. 

A more focused and intentional social media presence and virtual marketing have enabled PUC to reach a broader audience.

PUC continues to see growth in both its MSN and MBA programs. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Adventist Health have helped the college attract students from diverse backgrounds, enrich the campus community, and reach students in new locations.

This year’s enrollment gains came despite delays with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program (FAFSA). Students at colleges and universities across the U.S. faced these delays, making fall enrollment more challenging.   

To address this, Edelbach said PUC’s financial aid office and enrollment counselors worked closely with prospective students, relying on early, handwritten estimates based on general information to give families a clearer financial picture. The college also introduced extra flexibility in its clearance processes, allowing students to progress even with incomplete or delayed FAFSA data. This approach helped to minimize disruptions and keep students on track for enrollment.

“We have worked very hard to regain the trust of our marketplace, especially our Seventh-day Adventist population,” Edelbach said. “Our growth is a testament to this effort. As a campus, we will continue our diligence to fully become the college that God wants us to be.”

The steady enrollment gains are among the latest positive news for PUC. In September, U.S. News & World Report released its annual Best Colleges List, ranking PUC in a tie for #3 among California colleges and #13 among regional colleges in the West. Additionally, Payscale ranked PUC as the third-highest college in the country for associate degrees with the highest earning potential.