The College’s second-largest class since 2009 will arrive on campus this fall.

Elizabethtown College will welcome a total of 565 incoming students to campus this fall — the College’s second-largest class since 2009. The incoming group of students includes 529 first-years who make up the Class of 2030 and 36 new transfer students. Classes for the fall 2026 semester begin on Monday, Aug. 24. 

Interest in joining the Etown community has never been higher, as the College set a record for the third consecutive year with 4,585 applications submitted.

“Welcoming one of our largest incoming classes in more than 15 years is an exciting reflection of the momentum we are continuing to build at Elizabethtown College,” Elizabethtown College Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communication Keri Straub said. “Students are seeking an education that connects their values and passions to meaningful opportunities, and they are finding that at Etown through in-demand academic programs, dedicated faculty mentorship, and experiences that prepare them for a life of purpose.”

Elizabethtown College has recently launched several high-demand professional programs for the fall of 2026, including two new majors: Nutrition & Human Performance and Interaction Design & User Experience (IxD). These offerings add to the College’s already sought-after programs in Occupational Therapy, Engineering, Biology, Business, Education, Humanities, Psychology, and Political Science.

A snapshot of the incoming class profile is as follows:

  • Average first-year student GPA is 3.74 
  • 8 Stamps Scholars (The Stamps Scholarship program recognizes and rewards exceptional students who exemplify leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, overcoming obstacles, and innovation.)
  • 107 Momentum students (The Momentum program prepares students who are first-generation college students and/or meet financial eligibility for Etown, assisting them in an effort to get the most from their education and become an integral part of the campus community.)
  • 126 students accepted into the Honors Program at Elizabethtown College
  • 13 states represented, including 70% from Pennsylvania
  • 4 foreign countries represented

Incoming students embarked on their Etown journey during New Student Orientation from Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23, where new Blue Jays met their peers, experienced Etown traditions, and familiarized themselves with campus and the local community ahead of their first day of classes.

Discover more about Elizabethtown College or attend a fall Open House on Sept. 12, Oct. 24, and Nov. 14 for prospective students and families. Register today at etown.edu.