Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), located in San Antonio, Texas, is a private Catholic university known for its commitment to service, diversity, and academic excellence. Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, OLLU embraces a mission centered around the holistic development of students, emphasizing spirituality, scholarship, and social justice. The university's motto, "Rising to the Challenge," reflects its dedication to preparing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped to serve their communities effectively.

The university offers over 60 academic programs across various disciplines, including business, education, and the liberal arts. OLLU is recognized for its supportive faculty, many of whom hold doctorates in their fields and are committed to providing personalized attention to students. This close-knit academic environment fosters rich discussions and collaborative learning experiences, enhancing the overall educational journey. Beyond academics, OLLU provides vibrant campus life, including numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic opportunities which encourage a well-rounded student experience. With a focus on social service and community engagement, students are inspired to become active participants in their communities, making a positive impact both locally and globally.

Analysis of Key Trends in Recent Years

The data from Our Lady of the Lake University underscores several important trends affecting student experience and institutional performance. One significant observation is the increasing tuition rates over the years. From 2014 to 2024, tuition for in-state undergraduate students has risen from approximately $23,938 to over $31,700, which translates to nearly a 32% increase. This trend mirrors a national pattern in higher education, where the cost of college has outpaced general inflation, often leading to increased student debt and concerns about college affordability.

Another critical area to examine is the graduation rates, particularly the on-time graduation rate. In 2022, the on-time graduation rate stood at about 29.6%, recovering from a low of 10.3% in 2015 but still indicating that nearly 70% of students are not completing their degrees on time. This raises questions about the support systems in place for students, as well as academic preparation before entering college.

Retention rates have remained relatively stable, showing a slight fluctuation between about 55% and 68% over the years. The most recent figure for 2024 is around 58.3%, which suggests that while some students are committed to completing their education, others may be facing challenges that lead to attrition. It indicates that while students may initially enroll, maintaining their commitment through to graduation remains a challenge for the institution.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained constant at around 11:1 since 2018. This is a crucial factor as lower ratios can foster better educational experiences and more personalized attention for students, potentially contributing positively to retention and graduation rates.

Overall, these trends reflect a growing concern regarding the affordability of education, the effectiveness of retention strategies, and the overall experience students have in navigating their college years. Continued monitoring and adjustment of these aspects will be vital for enhancing student outcomes and institutional reputation.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Our Lady of the Lake University

The graduation data from Our Lady of the Lake University reveals significant insights into enrollment trends across various programs for the year 2023. Notably, the psychology program, specifically in General Psychology, boasts a total of 38 graduates, which stands as the most populated among the bachelor's degree offerings. This reflects a growing interest in mental health and psychology, an area that has gained increased awareness, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where mental health issues have come to the forefront.

Conversely, there are several programs with no graduates at the bachelor's level, including Organizational Leadership and Communication Sciences and Disorders, which may point to either low demand or shifts in the job market. The complete absence of graduates in specific master's and doctoral programs raises questions about program viability and relevance in catering to student career aspirations.

Moreover, the presence of international students is marked but limited; there is only one international graduate in the doctoral category, while the bachelor's level sees a minimal engagement with just one international student graduating from the psychology program. This suggests a potential area for growth in attracting a more diverse student body, particularly in graduate programs.

Overall, the data indicates a strong representation in psychology but highlights areas needing reevaluation regarding offerings and international student recruitment, ensuring the university remains competitive and responsive to evolving educational demands.

Analysis of Admission Trends at Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University has seen a notable shift in its admission rates and rankings over the years, reflecting changing dynamics in higher education. The ranking of the university hit a peak of 293 in 2020 but has subsequently declined, reaching 392 in 2025, indicating a competitive and sometimes fluctuating landscape for colleges and universities. In terms of acceptance rates, there has been substantial variation. The admission rate for male students began at approximately 58% in 2010 and dipped to around 66% before reaching a peak of nearly 92% in 2018. This trend of increased acceptance in recent years could reflect either a strategic decision to enroll more students or possibly challenges in maintaining applicant quality. Interestingly, the female acceptance rate has generally mirrored this pattern, with their rates often higher than their male counterparts. Enrollment figures also tell a compelling story. In 2014, the university recorded its highest enrollment of 341 students, alongside a massive number of denied applications, hinting at the competitive environment during that time. However, this contrasts sharply with the relatively lower denial numbers in subsequent years. The growing numbers of deferred admissions highlight the possibility that students are increasingly considering deferring enrollment, perhaps seeking to better align their choice of institution with personal objectives or circumstances. Overall, as the university navigates its position within the educational spectrum, the continued fluctuations in both admission rates and ranking underscore the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by institutions in the contemporary landscape. The latest ranking of 392 in 2025 serves as a reminder of the importance for universities to adapt and respond to the changing needs and preferences of prospective students.

Analysis of Admission Scores and Trends at Our Lady of the Lake University

The data from Our Lady of the Lake University reveals significant fluctuations in SAT and ACT score submissions and acceptance rates over the years. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores reached an impressive 93% in 2012, showcasing a peak in test takers, while the declining figures in 2022, 2023, and 2024 indicate a drop to just 24%. This trend mirrors a broader national movement towards test-optional admissions policies, which many institutions have adopted due to the pandemic's impact on standardized testing access.

Moreover, the range of scores indicates a gradual illustration of academic standards over the years. The 25th percentile for SAT reading scores shows modest variability, shifting from a starting score of 420 in 2007 to a consistent 450-460 range in later years, suggesting a gradual increase in the competitiveness of admitted students. Interestingly, the total 75th percentile SAT scores, which rose significantly illustrating a harder applicant pool, peaked at 550 for reading and math sections in recent years.

This evolution indicates a strategic shift in the university's admissions policy, possibly to attract a more diverse applicant pool while maintaining high academic performance standards. As external factors such as economic conditions and the increasing popularity of alternative assessments like Advanced Placement (AP) tests influence admissions practices, it will be critical for institutions like Our Lady of the Lake University to adapt to these changes while ensuring they remain an appealing option for prospective students.

Demographic Diversity and Gender Representation at Our Lady of the Lake University

The 2024 demographic data from Our Lady of the Lake University presents interesting insights into the student population, revealing a notable gender disparity and diversity among students. The undergraduate freshman class comprises 290 students, where females represent a higher percentage (65.5%) compared to males (34.5%). This trend continues across the undergraduate senior and transfer groups, as well as the graduate students, indicating that women are a significant majority overall.

Interestingly, the graduate student body has the lowest male representation at 17.1%, juxtaposed with a female majority of 82.9%. This pattern reflects a broader trend in higher education, where female enrollment has been consistently rising, often outnumbering male students across various institutions. Such shifts could be influenced by societal changes and educational policies encouraging female participation in higher education.

Additionally, examining the racial and ethnic composition reveals a spectrum of diversity, particularly within the freshman class. However, the specific data on ethnic representation isn't fully disclosed, leaving gaps in understanding the full extent of diversity among different student groups. Addressing these gaps is crucial for promoting inclusivity and equality within the university environment.

As institutions strive to foster a diverse learning environment, focusing on both gender and racial representations remains essential. Our Lady of the Lake University seems to be making strides in this direction, and it will be interesting to observe how these trends evolve in the coming years. Engaging with this demographic data allows the university to implement better strategies for recruitment and student support programs.

Demographic Analysis of Student Age Composition at Our Lady of the Lake University

The demographic data from Our Lady of the Lake University reveals a diverse age distribution among students. The largest age group, comprising students aged 18-19, illustrates a strong influx of younger undergraduates, with the number of undergraduate females significantly exceeding that of their male counterparts. This trend continues in the 20-21 age category, where female undergraduates remain the majority, suggesting a possible trend in higher female enrollment in undergraduate programs.

As we examine the 22-24 age group, the numbers reflect a balance between undergraduates and graduates, with a pronounced increase in graduate males. This may indicate that previous undergraduate students leverage their studies to pursue advanced degrees, contributing to a more mature student body within this age bracket.

Interestingly, the data shows that as the age groups increase, particularly in the 25-29 range, there is a notable rise in graduate female students, suggesting that many women return to higher education after gaining professional experience or personal development. The student population progressively becomes more homogenous in gender representation, with overall female students maintaining a higher presence across various age cohorts.

Moreover, the significantly reduced numbers in older age categories reflect broader societal trends wherein individuals over 40 may be returning to education less frequently, likely due to professional commitments or changes in life circumstances.

In conclusion, this assessment highlights the demographic shifts and preferences in higher education, particularly the increasing female representation in both undergraduate and graduate studies, illustrating how educational institutions may be adapting to the evolving landscape of student demographics.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Our Lady of the Lake University

The data on international student enrollment at Our Lady of the Lake University reveals notable trends over the years. For undergraduate programs, there has been a gradual increase in the number of international students, peaking with 35 international undergraduates in 2024, translating to approximately 3.05% of the total undergraduate population. This increase reflects a growing global interest in the university and potentially highlights the institution's strategic initiatives to attract more international talent.

Conversely, the trend for graduate programs appears less stable. Despite some fluctuations, the percentage of international graduate students has been relatively low, with only 4 international students in 2024, accounting for about 0.42% of the graduate population. This suggests that while the undergraduate sector is experiencing a diverse expansion, the graduate programs may need more robust marketing or support systems to enhance their appeal to international students.

These statistics coincide with national trends, as many U.S. universities have experienced similar ups and downs in international enrollments. The impact of global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, cannot be overlooked as they have affected international mobility for education. However, the increasing undergraduate numbers hint at a resilient recovery and the potential for future growth. The university may benefit from continued efforts to create an inclusive environment, support systems, and outreach to effectively engage and retain international students across both levels of education.

Here are some notable universities near Our Lady of the Lake University:

1. Trinity University - Ranked 40th in the 2025 US News rankings, Trinity University is a liberal arts college known for its commitment to providing a rigorous educational experience.

2. The University of Texas at Austin - This prestigious institution ranks 30th in the nation and is recognized for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

3. Rice University - With a rank of 18, Rice University is renowned for its small size and high-quality education, particularly in the sciences and engineering.

4. Texas A & M University-College Station - Ranked 51st, Texas A&M offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its research initiatives.

5. Southern Methodist University - This university ranks 91st and is located in Dallas, providing a strong academic environment along with a rich campus culture.

6. Baylor University - Holding the 91st rank, Baylor is a private Christian university with a strong emphasis on research and community service.

7. University of Houston - With a rank of 144, the University of Houston is a vibrant urban public research university known for its diverse student body and academic programs.

These institutions are well-regarded and offer a variety of educational opportunities in the San Antonio area.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Our Lady of the Lake University

The crime statistics at Our Lady of the Lake University reveal a concerning trend over the years. From 2013 to 2016, the average number of crimes per 1,000 students remained relatively stable, hovering around 3.5 to 3.6. However, a sharp increase in 2017 saw the crime rate jump to 12.31 per 1,000 students, highlighting an alarming spike in incidents that year.

This trend continued in 2018, where the total crime rate maintained a high level of 9.65 per 1,000, before experiencing a significant drop in 2020, coinciding with the pandemic. Several factors may have contributed to the fluctuations in crime rates, including changes in campus policies, increases in the student population, or the external environment affecting student behavior.

Particularly alarming is the rise in incidents of domestic violence and drug-related arrests reported during certain years, emphasizing the importance of campus safety initiatives and support systems. Conversely, the data from 2023 indicates a decline to 3.78 per 1,000 students, suggesting that recent measures may be having a positive effect.

Overall, while recent data suggests improvements, the historical perspective underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety and curb the factors contributing to such incidents. Engaging student communities in safety discussions and providing robust mental health support may further reduce these rates.

For those interested in understanding how to interpret crime rates in relation to the student population, a resource can be found at: Crime Rate Calculation.