SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Aug. 25, 2026) – John Brown University topped last year’s record enrollment when it welcomed a record 473 new students to the Siloam Springs campus for orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The incoming class includes a record 401 freshmen, 60 transfer students and 12 students returning after one or more semesters away, bringing undergraduate enrollment to 1,487 students.

For the last four years, JBU has set a series of enrollment records: the largest freshman class in 2023, the largest new student class in 2024, and a record undergraduate enrollment of 1,423 students in 2025.

“Families are looking for a university that offers a strong sense of community, academic excellence and a return on their investment,” said Ryan Ladner, D.B.A., vice president for enrollment management. “JBU has always remained clear about its identity. We are an interdenominational Christian university dedicated to whole-person education, shaping graduates who are well-rounded, grounded in faith and prepared with the skills and character to lead and serve. Our continued strong enrollment, along with the success of our graduates in the workforce and beyond, demonstrates that families recognize the value of a JBU education.”

The top five departments that incoming class students enrolled in are business, visual arts, engineering, nursing and teacher education.

JBU students represent 35 states and 55 countries. 

 Final enrollment numbers are officially reported after the 11th day of classes.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News) and No. 2 private university (The Wall Street Journal), JBU enrolls more than 2,500 students from 34 states and 43 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including business, nursing, visual arts, engineering, teacher education, psychology, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Twelve graduate degrees are available in business, counseling and cybersecurity.

Back to Press Releases