Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has surpassed its previous enrollment records with a total headcount of 4,798 students at the fall census date.

According to a press release, the undergraduate population grew the most, with 1,952 undergrads compared to the previous benchmark of 1,919.

“LMU is honored to serve the students in our largest enrollment ever. This increase in enrollment is a reflection of the continuous commitment by the administration, faculty, and staff at LMU to provide relevant and quality degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Students value these programs and realize a high return on their investment upon degree completion from LMU,” said LMU President Clayton Hess. “This enrollment record also highlights the trust students have placed in LMU to meet their educational needs-a trust we appreciate and do not take for granted. Additionally, this sustained growth in enrollment demonstrates that we are achieving our institutional mission.”

Lincoln Memorial University was recently cited in US News and World Report as the No. 1 Best Value School among regional universities in the south.

The enrollment of 1,165 first-generation students at LMU is another indicator that the University continues to achieve its mission of providing educational opportunities to Appalachia and beyond.

The University continues to show consistent growth and has shown consistent growth over the past decade with the total enrollment increase of nearly 50 percent and an undergraduate enrollment increase of 29 percent.

According to a university spokesman, the growth is prompted by the initiation of professional schools, including the LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, LMU-Duncan School of Law, and LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine; LMU’s graduate and professional student enrollment has increased by 61 percent in the last 10 years.