University of Holy Cross celebrates continued growth in 2026 student census

Written By Alicia Vial

Report confirms fourth consecutive semester of increased growth, exceeding late pandemic and Hurricane Ida enrollment numbers

NEW ORLEANS— The University of Holy Cross (UHC) is proud to announce the results of its 2026 student census, marking four consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. According to the census data, UHC has achieved its best enrollment since the end of the pandemic and Hurricane Ida and exceeded its credit hours goals for fall 2026. The university anticipates it will exceed pre-pandemic credit hours and enrollment in 2027, and pre-Katrina data the following year.

In 2026, compared with the prior academic year:

  • New student enrollments also saw a notable rise of 17% (258 students).

  • Degree-seeking and certification-seeking students rose 4%.

  • Total credit hours increased 8%, representing a two-year growth of approx. 19% increase in total credit hours.

  • Notable increase in male student population at 8%.

  • Academic programs seeing notable increases – Education (13%), Health sciences (13%), Nursing (9%).

The increase reflects UHC’s continued focus on developing programs and pathways tailored to nontraditional students and career changers of all backgrounds, alongside sustained investment in healthcare and education career pipeline programs.

“The University of Holy Cross was founded 110 years ago to train the teachers and healthcare professionals that were desperately needed at the time,” said Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, UHC president. “Once again, we heard the call and we answered by investing in the programs that Louisiana needs most. We are very proud to play an integral role in the growth of our community.”

As the only four-year university on the West Bank of New Orleans, UHC provides a mission-driven education rooted in Marianite values: compassion, justice and service. This enrollment growth reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to provide flexible and inclusive certification and degree programs, creating access to high-quality jobs for nontraditional students and career changers.

In 2026, UHC expanded its academic offerings to meet demand. In July, the university launched an online Master of Arts in Teaching, extending opportunities to working professionals without prior teaching certification.

Additionally, the Department of Health Sciences enrolled its first cohort this spring in a new Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program focused on EKG and cardiovascular technology. This year, the university achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and radiologic technology graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the ARRT National Certification Exam, continuing the program’s exemplary 100% pass rate since the program’s inception.

For more information about the University of Holy Cross and its programs, visit uhcno.edu or follow @UniversityofHolyCross on Facebook.

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About the University of Holy Cross:
Founded in 1916 by the Marianites of Holy Cross, the University of Holy Cross is a fully accredited Catholic university in New Orleans offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. Through the Marianite mission of educating minds and hearts, UHC is a recognized leader in the caring professions, including distinctive programs in nursing, education, counseling, and health sciences. Students benefit from a personalized academic experience enriched by spiritual values, service opportunities and an inclusive campus community. Learn more at uhcno.edu.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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