Hesston College enrollment climbs for third consecutive year

For the third straight year, Hesston College is excited to celebrate enrollment growth as fall 2026 census numbers continue to climb, demonstrating positive momentum in recruitment and improved retention.

Total student headcount this fall surpassed 400 for the first time since 2018 with 407 students, up from 394 in fall 2025. Residential life continues to experience strong growth as well, with 362 students living on campus. An increase from 338 in fall 2025, this marks the college’s highest on-campus student count since 1989.

International student enrollment is back up with 62 students representing 28 different countries on campus this semester. The fall 2025 count dipped to 54 international students primarily from federal visa approval delays during that recruitment cycle.

Another highlight from this year’s census is the retention rate increasing by 13 percentage points, a huge jump in one year. After identifying this as an area for improvement last year, the college is grateful to see the investments made into the student experience and overall student success quantified through this uptick in retention.

“As part of our shift from a two-year to four-year model, we anticipated some early challenges with retention as we narrowed our academic focus to four-year professional degree programs and shifted athletics from the two-year NJCAA [National Junior College Athletic Association] to the four-year model with NAIA [National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics],” President Mark Landes explains. “Entering our second year with clarity in our model and more investments in the four-year student experience, we are excited to see this retention improvement as a key indication our students value their experience at Hesston College.”

Not only are more students choosing to stay at HC, but a recent partnership with USD 460 is allowing Hesston High School (HHS) students opportunities to get their foot in the door at Hesston College now through a dual credit agreement that began this semester.

“We have 45 dual credit students from HHS taking math courses this fall and expect a similar number in the spring,” shares Landes. “We greatly appreciate this partnership opportunity with HHS and see more potential in the future as we both look to serve our students and community well.”