Momentum Builds at Defiance College with Growth in Students and Programs

DEFIANCE, OH – This fall, Defiance welcomed a class of over 300 new students marking the College’s third-largest incoming class since 2003. Among new students are 14 international students from 11 different countries, and the group brings an impressive average GPA of 3.22, underscoring Defiance’s continued commitment to academic excellence. It is also worth noting that retention of returning students from spring to fall semester is over 80%.

Jeremy Taylor, Vice President for Enrollment Management, noted that the size and strength of this year’s class highlight the positive energy on campus: “Defiance College is working hard to grow, and this new class is a testament to the good things happening here. From academics to athletics, students are choosing DC because they see the personalized opportunities that will prepare them for success.”

The College is also celebrating the expansion of its athletics program, adding men’s volleyball, powerlifting, and women’s bowling to its lineup this year. Looking ahead, women’s wrestling and women’s flag football will debut in 2026, ensuring future Yellow Jackets have even more opportunities to compete and excel.

President Richanne C. Mankey emphasized the significance of these investments: “Welcoming such strong and capable students alongside launching new athletic programs speaks to the bright future of Defiance College. Up 13% over last year’s entering class, our growth builds on 175 years of tradition while creating new pathways for students to learn, compete, and thrive.”

Defiance College continues to define itself as a small college with big impact—where students come to DEFIne Their Future.  It is a place where professors know students by name, where community matters, and where opportunities prepare graduates to lead and serve across the globe.

For more information about Defiance College, visit www.defiance.edu

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is a non-profit, independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio, offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement, enhanced by an award winning and unique career readiness program called Jacket Journey to help students learn career skills in and out of the classroom. The college mission has four pillars: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve.

Column written by Alan Bostelman, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Defiance College, 419-783-2302