PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — St. Leo University administrators in Pasco County say this year, they welcomed their biggest incoming class in the history of the school. 

Students moved in this week. 

"It was really close to home and also a lot of people that I know, their parents graduated from here," freshman Natalie Acebo said. 

While a lot of the new students are from Florida and other parts of the U.S., there are more international students this year, like Ciontae Deveaux from the Bahamas. 

"I love the campus. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming," Deveaux said. 

About 1,000 students are part of the incoming class, a 45 percent increase from last year.

School administrators say new programming and international marketing both played a role in the increased enrollment.

"We have offices in Mumbai, Beijing, and Ho Chi Minh City. We have admissions reps in about 10 states across the country," said St. Leo University President Jeffery Senese. 

"Software engineering is starting this fall, both undergrad and masters. Huge demand in greater Tampa Bay for that, huge demand nationally for that kind of engineering," he added. 

And as the number of students grows, the campus does too, with a new food venue and wellness center on the way. 

As for the students, they all say there's one main thing they’re looking forward to. 

"Just meeting new people, you know, learning a new area," Trey Vancerwoude said. 

"I like to have fun and learn a lot and meet new people basically," Deveaux added. 

The most popular major for this incoming class is biology.