Ferrum, VA, August 27, 2026 — Ferrum College is celebrating another milestone in its remarkable transformation as the College begins the 2026–2027 academic year with its highest enrollment in six years, highlighted by an increase of more than 20 percent in returning undergraduate students. The enrollment gains reflect growing confidence in Ferrum College’s mission, academic excellence, strengthened financial position, student experience, and long-term sustainability.
Mr. Scott Showalter, chairman of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees, praised the College’s continued momentum and the collaborative efforts that have positioned Ferrum College for continued success. “The Board of Trustees applauds the progress Ferrum College has made over the past several years,” he said. “Through disciplined financial stewardship, thoughtful governance, and strategic planning, Ferrum College has significantly strengthened its financial position while remaining steadfast in its mission.”
“The College is well positioned for long-term sustainability through strategic growth, allowing us to continue investing confidently in our people, our academic programs, our facilities, and our future,” Showalter added. These enrollment gains are evidence that students and families recognize that strength and the extraordinary value of a Ferrum College education. The Board is excited about the momentum created by the collective efforts of everyone who works at the College and the resulting opportunities that lie ahead for the College and our students.”
Overall enrollment increased by more than 10 percent over the previous year. Most significantly, returning undergraduate enrollment increased by more than 20 percent, representing the College’s largest returning class in five years and underscoring Ferrum College’s unwavering commitment to student success, engagement, and persistence.
These enrollment gains come during a period of institutional progress. Over the past three years, Ferrum College has significantly strengthened its financial position through disciplined stewardship and strategic investments while simultaneously expanding academic offerings, enhancing student support services, investing in campus facilities, launching innovative academic and workforce programs, strengthening partnerships with business and industry, successfully transitioning to NCAA Division II athletics, and making a Ferrum College education more accessible and affordable for students and families.
Strategic investments in student success initiatives, experiential learning, career readiness, enrollment management, and operational excellence have positioned the College for sustainable growth. Today, Ferrum College has significantly strengthened its financial foundation and is well positioned to continue investing in its students, faculty, staff, facilities, and academic future.
Dr. Mirta M. Martin, president of Ferrum College, said the enrollment milestone reflects the confidence that students and families have placed in the institution.
“Our enrollment reflects far more than numbers,” Martin said. “It represents lives transformed, opportunities created, and a growing confidence in Ferrum College. For more than a century, we have been the College of Opportunity, preparing students not only for successful careers, but for lives of leadership, service, and purpose. Every student who chooses Ferrum College affirms our belief that education opens doors, awakens potential, transforms lives and communities, and empowers people to change the world.”
Martin noted that Ferrum College’s progress is rooted in a clear institutional vision and a steadfast commitment to serving students.
“This achievement belongs to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, donors, and community partners,” she added. “Together, we have embraced a bold vision for Ferrum College—one that honors our rich heritage while courageously embracing innovation and opportunity. Every advancement we celebrate is the result of countless individuals working together with one purpose: creating opportunities for our students to succeed. Equally important, we have done so while strengthening the College’s financial future, ensuring that Ferrum College remains a place of opportunity for generations of students yet to come. We remain steadfast in our commitment to preparing graduates who enter with promise, leave with purpose, and transform the world.”
Dr. Richard Grant, Ferrum College’s Provost, credited the College’s faculty and staff for creating an environment where students thrive academically and personally.
“These results reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, who invest in our students every day and remain deeply committed to their success,” Grant said. “At Ferrum College, student success is not the responsibility of one office or division; it is a commitment shared across our entire campus community. The growth we are seeing in both enrollment and student retention demonstrates what is possible when faculty and staff work together to create an environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to achieve their goals. I am grateful for the commitment our employees bring to this work each day, and these results are a reflection of their efforts.”
Founded in 1913, Ferrum College remains committed to its historic mission of providing a rigorous, hands-on education rooted in academic excellence, character development, leadership, and service. Guided by its enduring motto, Not Self, But Others, the College continues to prepare graduates who strengthen their professions, enrich their communities, and make meaningful contributions throughout the world.
With the strongest enrollment in six years, a more than 20 percent increase in returning students, and a significantly strengthened financial position, Ferrum College continues to demonstrate that mission-driven institutions can thrive through disciplined stewardship, academic excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Founded in 1913, Ferrum College is a private, four-year liberal arts college nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. As the College of Opportunity, Ferrum College offers an academically rigorous, hands-on education that empowers students to discover their purpose, develop their talents, and lead lives of service and significance. Guided by its enduring motto, Not Self, But Others, Ferrum College is committed to developing graduates of character who lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. Through innovative academic programs, NCAA Division II athletics, experiential learning, and a steadfast commitment to student success, Ferrum College prepares graduates to enter with promise, leave with purpose, and transform the world.
About the photograph: A convocation for students, faculty and staff on August 10, 2026, the first day of fall classes, included a lighting ceremony. Click here for more photos.
