CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College is celebrating significant growth this fall, welcoming a student body that reflects both strong regional ties and expanding global reach. New student enrollment increased by 25% compared to last year, for a total of 314, with students representing 37 states, Puerto Rico, and 12 countries.
In addition to the increase in new students, C-SC achieved a 10+ year high in student retention (excluding the 2020 pandemic year), with close to 90% of students returning from spring to fall. The number of transfer students also increased by 50% compared to last year, marking C-SC’s highest total in a decade, excluding the year when many students transferred from the now-closed Iowa Wesleyan.
“Culver-Stockton College continues to thrive because of our commitment to personalized, experiential learning,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, President of Culver-Stockton College. “The strong retention numbers reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the significant increase in new student enrollment shows that students from across the nation, around the world, and in our own backyard recognize that we can equip them with the technical knowledge, adaptable critical-thinking abilities, and powerful interpersonal skills they need to succeed in today’s economy.”
C-SC’s momentum is also reflected in the College’s financial standing. Financial Responsibility Scores, issued annually by the U.S. Department of Education, are ranked in three tiers, with Tier One scores ranging from 1.500 to 3.000 and 3.000 being the highest. Culver-Stockton has improved its score each of the past three years, moving from 2.200 in 2022 to 2.500 in 2023 and achieving a perfect 3.000 in 2024. (The 2025 U.S. Dept. of Ed scores have not been released yet.)
“Our growth is not only about numbers, it is also about bringing together a diverse, talented, and engaged student body,” noted Vice President for Enrollment Management Melanie Lechtenberg. “From local students to those traveling thousands of miles, our Wildcats are choosing Culver-Stockton because they see a community where they belong and a college where they can excel.”
Culver-Stockton College’s enrollment growth underscores the College’s continued investment in academic programs that align with the needs of business and industry, student success, and campus life.
High school seniors are encouraged to apply early in their senior year and to remain attentive to scholarship deadlines. The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open October 1, and students are advised to complete their applications as soon as possible to maximize potential aid for the Fall 2026 semester.
To learn more about academic programs and campus life, prospective students are invited to attend Explore the Roar Visit Day on Friday, Sept. 19. Registration is required. Sign up today at culver.edu/visit.
Culver-Stockton also offers individual visits on most weekdays and select Saturdays, providing opportunities for a campus tour, meetings with faculty, and connections with coaches and fine arts faculty. Admission counselors are available to answer questions and guide students through the application process. Group visits for student organizations may be arranged by contacting the Admission Office at admission@culver.edu.
In addition, C-SC will host several fall events:
- Young Writers Conference (Oct. 8) — High school students work with faculty and C-SC students in creative writing, non-fiction, playwriting, and more.
- Master of Athletic Training Visit Day (Oct. 13) — Students interested in athletic training participate in hands-on activities, earn Stop the Bleed certification, and learn about career opportunities in sports medicine.
- Honor Choir (Oct. 15) — High school students participate in workshops, tour campus, and conclude the day with a performance.
- Stand and Deliver: The Wildcat Gauntlet (Nov. 4) — An interactive competition designed to prepare education majors for the professional expectations of the field.
More information about and a registration link for the upcoming events are available at culver.edu/visit.
For questions about admission and/or scholarship opportunities, contact the Admission Office at (800) 537-1883 or admission@culver.edu.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.