McMurry University welcomed 340 new full-time first-year students this fall, the largest entering class in the University’s 103-year history. The historic class is part of McMurry’s fourth consecutive year of record enrollment, with total fall enrollment reaching 11,077 students.
The fall 2026 total includes 1,210 full-time students, an increase of 4.2% from the prior year, and 9,867 part-time students.
This fall’s first-year class surpasses the previous record of 331 students, set in both fall 2024 and fall 2025.
“Welcoming the largest first-year class in our 103-year history is a remarkable achievement for McMurry,” President Lynne Murray said. “And to set an overall enrollment record for the fourth consecutive year shows that students and families continue to see the value of a McMurry education.”
McMurry’s total enrollment has grown from 2,556 students in fall 2023 to 3,183 in fall 2024, 4,144 in fall 2025, and 11,077 this fall, representing a 167% increase since fall 2025.
The record includes exponential growth in the McMurry Dual Credit Academy (DCA), which allows high school students across Texas to earn college credit before graduation. DCA enrollment reached 9,836 students from over 275 partner high schools across Texas.
The DCA program introduces students to McMurry before they graduate from high school. The fall 2026 incoming student cohort includes 24 former DCA students who are now continuing at McMurry to pursue their bachelor’s degrees.
“The Dual Credit Academy has extended McMurry’s reach across Texas, and each year, more of our DCA students are choosing to continue at McMurry to pursue a bachelor’s degree,” Vice President for Enrollment Management and Chief Operating Officer Grant Greenwood said. “In today’s competitive enrollment environment, universities must find new ways to reach students. For McMurry, the DCA and our new graduate programs launching spring 2027 are examples of our University’s commitment to innovation and continued growth.”
As enrollment grows, McMurry is also investing in academic programs. In spring 2027, the Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business will launch two new STEM-designated graduate programs: a Master of Science in AI in Business and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. Applications for both programs are open.
“We are paying close attention to changes in the workforce and the opportunities they create for our students,” Murray said. “Our new graduate programs are one example of how McMurry is investing in programs that prepare students for areas where there is workforce demand. We are committed to preparing students for meaningful careers while responding to the needs of our region and state.”