For the third consecutive year, Northwestern College has set enrollment records. This fall’s enrollment is 1,585, up more than 2% from last year’s record of 1,546.

This year’s figures include the largest ever number of graduate students—500 enrolled in Northwestern’s online Master of Education program and on-campus master’s program in physician assistant studies—up from 461 last year. Northwestern also had 82.8% of last year’s freshmen return this fall, a record retention rate. And more than 6% of the college’s residential undergraduate population are Latino students, also a record high.

“We are thrilled to continue to be setting enrollment records, especially at a time in which many other schools are seeing declines,” says Tamara Fynaardt, Northwestern’s vice president for enrollment and marketing. “Our high retention rate shows that we are providing the standout academic preparation, integration of faith and learning, and experience of belonging that our students expect. Our graduate programs continue to exceed expectations because of their great reputation for highly applicable content, personal attention, affordability and flexibility. And we’re glad to see progress on enrolling more students of color as we seek to live out our Vision for Diversity.”