News Center

Hendrix College welcomed 2.4% larger class after record-breaking applications

September 16, 2025 – Hendrix College welcomed 346 new students in its incoming fall class, marking another year of strong enrollment for the College. This year’s class was selected from 3,556 applicants, continuing Hendrix’s trend of attracting a broad and talented pool of students.

The 329 first-year students and 17 transfer students arrived on campus on Tuesday, August 19 for move-in day, followed by a week of orientation activities leading up to the start of classes on August 26.

“Because our community allows us to invest in individuals, students have the support and freedom to discover and refine their passions, hone their ability to think critically, and develop a personalized path to life and career beyond college,” said Hendrix President Karen Petersen. “At a time when families and students have significant concerns about the value of higher education, our 100% job placement rate and strong outcomes reflect the value of a residential liberal arts education.”

“We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished group of students to the Hendrix family. Their decision reflects the supportive community and transformative opportunities Hendrix offers,” said Vice President for Enrollment Kasey Evans. “The arrival of this class is a testament to the dedication of our enrollment and coaching staff and the campus-wide commitment to showing every student how valued they are, which truly makes Hendrix special.”

Class of 2029 Highlights:

  • The academic profile for the entering class includes an average GPA of 3.75 and an average ACT composite score of 27.
  • Among the 346 matriculants, 99 reported they are first-generation college students and 42% of students indicated they are members of underrepresented groups.
  • 48% of first-year students are from Arkansas, with representation from 24 other states.
  • 29% of students are from Texas, with 27 from Oklahoma and Tennessee. International students hail from seven countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, El Salvador, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
  • More than one-third (38%) of new students are Pell Grant recipients.
  • The longest domestic trip to campus was 1,859 miles from Sparks, Nevada, while the farthest international journey was 6,300 miles from Japan. Closer to home, 18 students from Conway chose Hendrix.

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose