The University of Holy Cross (UHC) is proud to announce significant enrollment growth in its 2025 student census, marking a positive step forward for the institution’s continued commitment to academic excellence and community impact. This increase in enrollment aligns with the University’s strategic intent to recruit students who are at any point in their educational journey: new freshmen, students transferring to UHC from community colleges and working adults, as well as facilitating increased career pipelines, particularly for future healthcare workers. Thanks to these efforts, UHC reports increases in all areas of enrollment.

In 2025, compared to the academic year prior,
• total enrollment increased by 7.05% to 1,124 students.
• degree-seeking and certification-seeking students rose 9.85%, alongside a 10.77% increase in total credit hours.
• new student enrollments also saw a notable rise of 14.79%.
• healthcare programs - nursing, pre-med, radiologic technology, and neurodiagnostic technology - have seen the highest rate of increase.

“We are extremely proud to report our latest census data. As the world embarks on a new era for higher education, we are paying attention to our community’s needs and working to create real opportunities. Our efforts are clearly paying off, and we are building on this momentum,” said Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, UHC president.

As the only four-year university on the West Bank of New Orleans, UHC provides a mission-driven education rooted in Marianite values: compassion, justice and service. This enrollment growth reflects the University’s ongoing efforts to recruit diverse students through targeted outreach, expanded online program offerings and creating access to high-quality jobs for students of all backgrounds through strategic partnerships and dual enrollment programs.

The new data coincides with the announcement of UHC’s ranking as the #1 nursing school in Louisiana by RegisteredNursing.org. This prestigious honor recognizes UHC’s exceptional student success and distinguished record of preparing community-focused nursing professionals. Since 2023, the University has achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and a 100% job placement with local healthcare providers for over five years.

For more information about the University of Holy Cross and its programs, visit uhcno.edu or follow @UniversityofHolyCross on Facebook.