QU receives largest freshman class in 50 years

QUINCY — More than 300 incoming freshman arrived at Quincy University last month, making it the largest freshman class in 50 years.

The 327 first-year students marks a 7 percent increase from last year.

Combining freshman with new transfers, there are 411 full-time new students at QU, up
slightly from last year and the highest mark since 1990. The total of full-time undergraduate students at QU for the Fall 2023 academic term is 1,011, a 2 percent increase over last year.

“Once again, Quincy University is breaking modern enrollment records because of the hard
work of our faculty and staff and the accomplishments of our students,” said Brian McGee,
president of Quincy University. “Our Success by Design program, where each student has a
personalized success plan, continues to make a difference in attracting students and families to
QU. We are proud of all that is being accomplished at this wonderful Catholic and Franciscan
university.”

The class of 2027 comes to QU from more than 240 different high schools, located in 31 states
and 17 countries. Most students at Quincy University come from Illinois and Missouri, as has been
the case throughout the history of the university.

“My team and I are very pleased to welcome the largest class of first-year students in fifty years,” said Tom Oliver, vice president for enrollment and senior director of student financial services. “This incoming class includes students who bring a diverse range of life experiences, perspectives, and talents to our campus community. There is no doubt the QU community will see exciting things from the incredible group of students. We are excited to see how they learn to use their talents and gifts to make a lasting impact on campus and in the world, once they have completed their education at Quincy University.”

The freshman class has an average GPA of 3.40 and average SAT scores of 1133.

“This year’s large new student class is continued evidence that the University provides one
of the best values in private higher education. With our commitment to student success through
QU’s Success by Design education model and affordability through our generous scholarship
programs, the University is able to make an exceptional education available to an increasing
number of students,” said Oliver.

Freshman Music Education major Hunter Hildebrand is confident in his decision to come
to QU.

“The service aspect of the curriculum is very important to me, and I am thankful for all the
opportunities for success that are offered to me as a student,” said Hildebrand, a recent graduate of
Quincy High School and a recipient of multiple scholarships. His grandmother is a QU alumna
who earned a nursing degree.