FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, Okla.] — This August, Southern Nazarene University welcomed its highest number of undergraduate enrollees since 2015. The fall 2026 semester also marks the third time in the last four years. SNU has enrolled at least 300 first-time freshmen, with 382 students making this the fourth-highest freshman class in the last two decades.
With four consecutive years of overall growth, the College of Undergraduate Studies is experiencing a level of sustained progress not seen since the four-year period from 1997–2000. Dr. Steve Betts, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, celebrates this momentum, saying, "SNU's College of Undergraduate Studies Fall 2026 enrollment is a blessing from God. Many departments on campus have worked together to make this growth possible. Admissions, Athletics, Student Life, Christian Community, and Student Success have all contributed significantly to bringing and retaining more students on campus."
SNU President Dr. Keith Newman adds, “SNU celebrates another year of enrollment growth on our residential campus, and our hearts are full of gratitude. This achievement reflects the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, staff, and admissions team, whose tireless efforts throughout the recruitment and retention process continue to bear fruit. We extend our deepest thanks to the families who have chosen to trust us with their students' futures. Entering our 128th year, we remain steadfastly committed to delivering a purposefully different brand of education—one that equips students academically, deepens their faith, and prepares them to make a meaningful impact in the world.”
While enrollment numbers provide one measure of SNU’s growth, they tell only part of the story. Each new student brings unique gifts, experiences, and opportunities for God to work in and through their life. As the university begins the 2026–27 academic year, these numbers represent more than growth; they represent the lives, relationships, and stories that make the SNU community what it is.
About Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.