Oct 6, 2025

Dordt University launches major housing expansion to meet record enrollment

Dordt University will break ground this fall on two major housing projects: a new 220-bed residence hall and four additional Every Square Inch apartment buildings.

Dordt University will break ground this fall on two major student housing projects to support its growing undergraduate population: four new Every Square Inch (“Squares”) apartment buildings and a new 220-bed residence hall for freshmen and sophomores.

Construction on the new Squares will begin within the next week on the east side of campus, adjacent to the existing Squares. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026. Work on the new residence hall, located east of East Campus and north of Covenant Hall, will begin later this year.

“Seeing so many students choose Dordt for this formative season of life is deeply encouraging."

“These projects are about more than adding beds,” says Dr. Erik Hoekstra, president of Dordt University. “We want Dordt to feel like home. Every decision we make—from housing to classrooms to campus spaces—is aimed at helping students flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.”

The new housing comes at a time when Dordt is serving its largest student body ever. For the fifth year in a row, Dordt achieved record enrollment; this fall, 2,077 students are enrolled, including 1,655 full-time undergraduates with a nearly even mix of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

“Seeing so many students choose Dordt for this formative season of life is deeply encouraging,” Hoekstra says. “This momentum isn’t driven by our efforts alone—it’s a sign of God’s faithfulness to Dordt. To Him be the glory for the work He is doing here.”

More than 62% of Dordt students come from outside Iowa, reflecting the university’s strong regional and national reach.


About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.


A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers