Designed for prospective students, the event allows visitors to spend time on campus learning what it means to be a Wildcat. Participants will connect with faculty, current students, and admission counselors while gaining insight into Culver-Stockton’s academic programs, campus culture, and student experience.

“We know choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions a young person will make, and we want to take the guesswork out of it,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Melanie Lechtenberg. “Explore the Roar gives students a front-row seat to what makes C-SC different, from our hands-on approach to learning to our distinctive 12+3 academic calendar. We want visitors to leave feeling informed, excited, and confident.”

The event begins at 10 a.m. with a guided campus tour led by a Wildcat Ambassador. Students will then meet with admission counselors for a question-and-answer session before participating in divisional academic activities that highlight Culver-Stockton’s programs and experiential-learning opportunities. The visit day also includes a complimentary lunch in the campus dining hall.

By the end of the event, students will leave with a clearer understanding of Culver-Stockton’s distinctive learning environment, including its innovative 12+3 academic calendar and commitment to experiential learning. The program will conclude at 1 p.m.

Registration is required. Students can sign up at culver.edu/visit. For more information, contact the Office of Admission at (573) 288-6331.

In addition to the increase in new students, C-SC achieved a 10+ year high in student retention (excluding the 2020 pandemic year), with close to 90% of students returning from spring to fall. The number of transfer students also increased by 50% compared to last year, marking C-SC’s highest total in a decade, excluding the year when many students transferred from the now-closed Iowa Wesleyan.

“91ֱ�� continues to thrive because of our commitment to personalized, experiential learning,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, President of 91ֱ��. “The strong retention numbers reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the significant increase in new student enrollment shows that students from across the nation, around the world, and in our own backyard recognize that we can equip them with the technical knowledge, adaptable critical-thinking abilities, and powerful interpersonal skills they need to succeed in today’s economy.”

C-SC’s momentum is also reflected in the College’s financial standing. Financial Responsibility Scores, issued annually by the U.S. Department of Education, are ranked in three tiers, with Tier One scores ranging from 1.500 to 3.000 and 3.000 being the highest. Culver-Stockton has improved its score each of the past three years, moving from 2.200 in 2022 to 2.500 in 2023 and achieving a perfect 3.000 in 2024. (The 2025 U.S. Dept. of Ed scores have not been released yet.)

“Our growth is not only about numbers, it is also about bringing together a diverse, talented, and engaged student body,” noted Vice President for Enrollment Management Melanie Lechtenberg. “From local students to those traveling thousands of miles, our Wildcats are choosing Culver-Stockton because they see a community where they belong and a college where they can excel.”

91ֱ��’s enrollment growth underscores the College’s continued investment in academic programs that align with the needs of business and industry, student success, and campus life.

High school seniors are encouraged to apply early in their senior year and to remain attentive to scholarship deadlines. The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open October 1, and students are advised to complete their applications as soon as possible to maximize potential aid for the Fall 2026 semester.

To learn more about academic programs and campus life, prospective students are invited to attend Explore the Roar Visit Day on Friday, Sept. 19. Registration is required. Sign up today at culver.edu/visit.

Culver-Stockton also offers individual visits on most weekdays and select Saturdays, providing opportunities for a campus tour, meetings with faculty, and connections with coaches and fine arts faculty. Admission counselors are available to answer questions and guide students through the application process. Group visits for student organizations may be arranged by contacting the Admission Office at admission@culver.edu.

In addition, C-SC will host several fall events:

• Young Writers Conference (Oct. 8) — High school students work with faculty and C-SC students in creative writing, non-fiction, playwriting, and more.
• Master of Athletic Training Visit Day (Oct. 13) — Students interested in athletic training participate in hands-on activities, earn Stop the Bleed certification, and learn about career opportunities in sports medicine.
• Honor Choir (Oct. 15) — High school students participate in workshops, tour campus, and conclude the day with a performance.
• Stand and Deliver: The Wildcat Gauntlet (Nov. 4) — An interactive competition designed to prepare education majors for the professional expectations of the field.

More information about and a registration link for the upcoming events are available at culver.edu/visit.

For questions about admission and/or scholarship opportunities, contact the Admission Office at (800) 537-1883 or admission@culver.edu.

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Designed specifically for high school students, Explore the Roar offers a firsthand look at life on the Hill. The day offers attendees the opportunity to meet with faculty, current students, and staff, so they will walk away with a real understanding of what it means to be part of the Wildcat community.

“Selecting a college after graduation is a very important decision and can sometimes feel overwhelming,” said Vice president for Enrollment Management Melanie Lechtenberg. “That’s why we feel it is essential to give students an opportunity to experience campus life up close and personal during this special event. Visitors will have a chance to become more familiar with our hands-on learning approach and our unique 12+3 academic calendar structure, while participating in fun activities and enjoying the views from the Hill.”

The day begins at 10 a.m. with a guided campus tour led by a Wildcat Ambassador, followed by a Q&A session with C-SC admission counselors. Students will then break into groups for divisional academic activities before heading to the campus dining hall for a complimentary lunch. The day will conclude by 1 p.m.

Registration is required. Sign up today at culver.edu/visit. For questions, contact Admissions at (800) 537-1883.

For media or promotional inquiries, contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office at pr@culver.edu or (573) 288-6000, ext. 6728.

Director of Admission Eric Kniel said several factors contributed to the 7.55% increase in new undergraduate enrollment, including the ability for admission counselors to travel, strengthened relationships with area high schools, alumni and legacy relations, and an increase in transfer students from nearby schools.

91ֱ�� continues to rank among the best value colleges and recently was placed in the top ten schools for social mobility in the Midwest. For more information regarding C-SC’s rankings, visit��/about/third-party-rankings/

An hour before the start of the November session, the Education Department will sponsor a financial literacy workshop allowing current C-SC students to receive ACE credit.

To best benefit from the filing sessions, guests planning to attend should bring several documents to file their FAFSA. Please bring the following information for both parent(s) and student:

• 2021 taxes and W-2 forms

• Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID usernames and passwords

• Current balance of cash, savings, and checking

• Net worth of investments

Guests are not required to register for this drop-in event and may come and go as their schedule allows. For any questions regarding this community event, please contact Patti Mathieson, Associate Director of Financial Aid, at pmathieson@culver.edu or by phone at 573-288-6000 x6465.

The Pell Promise Program is a new program at C-SC and is specifically designed for students who have an unmet need for financial assistance. Assisting students in the local area with additional aid in acquiring access to a Culver-Stockton education excites President Douglas B. Palmer. “The Pell Promise is the first of its kind for small private institutions in our area, and we are proud to lead the way here on “the Hill,” Palmer said. “Through this program, we will meet the needs of students who want and desire a small, private, community-focused college education with the financial support they need to thrive and be successful.”

The Pell Promise Program is provided as a renewable scholarship based on a student’s annual FAFSA. To be eligible, an incoming student must have a 2.75 GPA�� and must apply and be accepted to the College by July 1, 2022.�� To participate in the program, students must live on-campus to take full advantage of all student-focused success services; therefore, any private awards earned will be applied to the cost of room and board.�� 91ֱ�� is also offering this program to current students already enrolled based on the same criteria beginning in fall 2022.

In addition to the financial support, Pell Promise recipients will receive student services, including access to no-cost peer tutoring, success coaches, first-generation programming if applicable, participation in an alumni mentorship program, and increased awareness and accessibility of school resources.

As 91ֱ�� continues to prepare students of promise for a dynamic world, they are proud to lead the way in removing barriers and support students in their journey for success within a supportive learning community.

91ֱ�� recognizes the interruption in academic progress and has created an opportunity for students to restart their future in higher education. This unique program is available to transfer students who paused their degree and Class of 2020 high school graduates who chose to take a gap year due to the pandemic. C-SC is offering this group of individuals a financial aid gift valued at half of remaining tuition after all grants and scholarships have been applied for their first semester of enrollment at 91ֱ��.

Enrollment for the College Restart program is officially open and will be honored through the fall 2021 semester. To receive the 50% tuition paid by the College, students must provide an academic record of transfer or pause in enrollment, as a component of the admissions process. For more information regarding the College Restart program, or enrollment at C-SC, email��admissions@culver.edu��or contact the Office of Admissions by phone at (800)537-1883.

Shauna Jackman is an admissions counselor for C-SC’s online and graduate programs. She graduated from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg in 2003 with a degree in textiles and fashion. Jackman previously worked in the retail clothing business in Lake Ozark, Independence, Jefferson City and Lenexa, Kan.

Madeline Eaton is an admissions counselor. She will be responsible for recruiting students and guiding them through the college selection process. Eaton graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville in 2018 with a degree in English. She previously was employed as a customer advocate at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Quincy, Ill.

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Cassidy Foley, a native of Quincy, Ill., is a December 2018 graduate of Quincy (Ill.) University, where she earned a degree in sport management. Foley was a member of the women’s soccer team for three seasons and a captain of the team as a senior.

Paige Cummins, a native of Hannibal, graduated from Quincy University in May 2018 with a degree in English. She previously was the general manager at Cave Hollow West Winery in Hannibal.

Emma Hultz, a native of Monmouth, Ill., graduated from Culver-Stockton in May 2014 with a degree in criminal justice. She previously worked as a youth counselor at Chaddock in Quincy. Hultz lives in Canton with her husband and daughter.

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