George Fox University Enrollment Reaches Record High, Adds New Nursing Doctorate

NEWBERG, Ore. — George Fox University reported another year of record enrollment growth, crediting its investment in market-driven programs—particularly in health care—while also expanding its nursing offerings and upgrading facilities.

The university enrolled 4,339 students this fall, including a record 2,488 undergraduates, 290 accelerated online degree students, and 1,561 graduate students.

Vice President of Enrollment Lindsay Knox said the university’s growth is tied to its “Be Known” culture promise and its focus on programs aligned with industry needs.

“We primarily attribute this consistent growth to our foundational promise that resonates with students, assuring them that they will ‘Be Known’ personally, academically, and spiritually,” said Carly Reumann, communications manager at George Fox. “This commitment is coupled with our development of excellent, market-driven programs that are highly sought after by both prospective students and employers.”

George Fox offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 master’s and doctoral degrees, according to the university.

Record Enrollment

While George Fox did not hit record enrollment in 2022 or 2023, it has seen steady growth over time. In 2010, the school enrolled 3,522 students—an increase of 23% over the past 15 years.

In 1986, enrollment stood at 549 students. Today, George Fox is the largest private university in Oregon for the sixth consecutive year, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Reumann said growth is due in part to investments in facilities, creation of the honors program, the return of football and other athletics, expanded marketing, more online offerings, and a shift toward professional programs.

The university competes in non-scholarship NCAA Division-III and offers athletics, including women’s lacrosse, swimming, stunt, and esports. About 75% of students take at least one online general education course.

First-year student Bridget Philipsen said athletics helped her choose George Fox.

“For me, it was awesome athletics because I’m on the volleyball team,” Philipsen said. “And the Christian life aspect.”

Reumann noted the school’s growth in health sciences, including new graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and nursing practice, added over the past decade.

‘Be Known’ Culture

Another factor in George Fox’s growth is its “Be Known” motto, which emphasizes personal, academic, and spiritual connections between students and faculty.

This year, the university launched a presidential coin challenge. Each student receives a coin at the start of their academic journey and is invited to pass it on before graduation to a faculty or staff member—or another person—who made a significant impact on them.

“We believe that when students feel genuinely known and supported, they are inspired,” Reumann said. “That inspiration turns knowledge into personal conviction, a career into a purposeful calling, and faith into meaningful action in the world.”

Nursing Program Expansion

George Fox launched its Doctor of Nursing Practice nurse anesthesia program this fall to prepare graduates as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Nursing is the university’s largest undergraduate major, followed by business and engineering.

The program addresses a growing need in health care. Job openings in the private health care and social assistance sectors rose from 20% in 2022 to 32% in 2024, according to a January 2025 report by the Senate Committee on Health Care. The report said the sector added 16,800 jobs in 2024, a 5.9% increase.

“Health care is our largest program at the university,” Reumann said. “We get a lot of students, and we’re expanding on that with the CRNA program.”

George Fox nursing graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nursing licenses, with a 91% first-time pass rate.

First-year student Ella Gilder said the program influenced her decision to attend George Fox.

“It was just the best fit, and I like the Christian aspect, as well as their nursing program,” Gilder said. “There’s also the aspect that a lot of my sisters went here as well.”

The program’s first cohort of 25 students began the year at the George Fox Portland Center, 12753 S.W. 68th Ave., in the newly remodeled 11,000-square-foot simulation center. The south wing of the first floor now includes three operating rooms, an intensive care unit, clinic spaces, behavioral health rooms, a maternity exam room, a home birthing room, and a labor and delivery suite, along with debriefing and control rooms.

In 2024, George Fox also built a $10 million chapel on its main Newberg campus and opened a new art and cinematic building this fall.

“Our DNP graduates will be equipped to manage complex, high-stakes situations with expert precision and sound clinical judgment—and to provide care with compassion, empathy, and a deep respect for the dignity of every individual,” Reumann said.