Seton Hill University will welcome the largest freshman class in its history as the Fall 2013 semester begins.

The 395 members of Seton Hill University’s Class of 2017 will begin classes on August 26.

“Seton Hill has seen growth in enrollment by out-of-state and international students, in addition to those from our region who continue to make up the core of our student population,” said Michael Poll, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “There are a number of reasons for Seton Hill’s enrollment growth, including the University’s reputation as a national leader in Mobile Technology, our leadership in programs in the Health Sciences and the Arts and our FastForward programs, which allow students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA at an accelerated pace.”

The largest incoming freshman class previously was the class of 372 students that entered Seton Hill in Fall 2010.

Seton Hill will once again use the YMCA on South Maple Avenue in Greensburg to house an overflow of upperclass resident students. The YMCA will provide housing for about 25 male and female residents on two floors.

The University has been using residential space at the YMCA since 2010 due to enrollment growth and only houses upperclass students there.

“It is important for us to have first-year students on the main campus so they are close to all the activities our campus has to offer,” said Robin Anke, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life.

First-year students will move into Seton Hill’s residence halls on August 23 with the assistance of members of the football and men’s lacrosse teams. Upperclass residents move in on August 25.