The University of Holy Cross (UHC) is proud to announce the results of its 2026 student census, marking four consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. According to the census data, UHC has achieved its best enrollment since the end of the pandemic and Hurricane Ida and exceeded its credit hours goals for fall 2026. The university anticipates it will exceed pre-pandemic credit hours and enrollment in 2027, and pre-Katrina data the following year.
In 2026, compared with the prior academic year:
- New student enrollments also saw a notable rise of 17% (258 students).
- Degree-seeking and certification-seeking students rose 4%.
- Total credit hours increased 8%, representing a two-year growth of approx. 19% increase in total credit hours.
- Notable increase in male student population at 8%.
- Academic programs seeing notable increases – Education (13%), Health sciences (13%), Nursing (9%).
The increase reflects UHC’s continued focus on developing programs and pathways tailored to nontraditional students and career changers of all backgrounds, alongside sustained investment in healthcare and education career pipeline programs.
“The University of Holy Cross was founded 110 years ago to train the teachers and healthcare professionals that were desperately needed at the time,” said Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, UHC president. “Once again, we heard the call and we answered by investing in the programs that Louisiana needs most. We are very proud to play an integral role in the growth of our community.”
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 provide flexible and inclusive certification and degree programs, creating access to high-quality jobs for nontraditional students and career changers.
In 2026, UHC expanded its academic offerings to meet demand. In July, the university launched an online Master of Arts in Teaching, extending opportunities to working professionals without prior teaching certification.
Additionally, the Department of Health Sciences enrolled its first cohort this spring in a new Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program focused on EKG and cardiovascular technology. This year, the university achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and radiologic technology graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the ARRT National Certification Exam, continuing the program’s exemplary 100% pass rate since the program’s inception.
For more information about the University of Holy Cross and its programs, visit uhcno.edu or follow @UniversityofHolyCross on Facebook.