STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville anticipates enrolling the largest incoming freshman class in its history, based on the record number of undergraduate applications and admissions received for fall 2018.

According to Joel Recznik, vice president of Enrollment, Franciscan University has received 20 percent more applications than last year at this time, which he said is a strong predictor of class size. He attributes the higher numbers of freshman applications to Franciscan University’s Catholic intellectual and faith mission.

“Our well-known academic excellence in both the sciences and arts, passionately Catholic culture, NCAA athletics, home-like residences and faith household communities, ministry of our Franciscan TOR friars—all of these aspects along with our wonderfully joy-filled students make Franciscan very attractive to many students,” Recznik said.

In addition to Franciscan’s international reputation, Recznik identified the institutional commitment of more resources as another reason for the unprecedented numbers of new students.

“Through the generosity of our donors, Franciscan University now offers more scholarships—for those with high grades and those with high need—and it is making a real difference for families, especially those with lots of children who wish to attend,” he noted.

Recznik, who has led the Enrollment Department since 2001, said he loves helping prospective students discover their home at Franciscan University.

“Finding a university that is right for you can feel daunting to high school juniors and seniors,” he said. “But by visiting campus, you quickly figure out if a school is a good fit or not. For many of those who want to grow in their love for Jesus Christ and the Church while preparing for their future careers and vocations, Franciscan is the best place to do that.”

High school students attending a Steubenville Youth Conference during the summer can take advantage of special faculty-led campus tours, which are offered on Friday afternoons before the start of all five of the conferences held at Franciscan University.

“Franciscan founded the Steubenville Conferences in 1976, and they still flow from the heart of the mission of Franciscan University,” Recznik explained. “The tours give prospective students an understanding of the excellent academic formation provided by the University they know best for its spiritually and personally enriching Catholic conferences.”

Recznik said the Admissions Office is still accepting applications for this fall as well as for fall 2019.

Located in southeastern Ohio, Franciscan University of Steubenville attracts over 2,400 students from all 50 states and 12 countries with its integration of excellent academics and a passionately Catholic faith environment. To apply or for more information, visit franciscan.university or call 800-783-6220.