CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Enrollment figures released today by Clarion University show a dramatic increase in the number of graduate students and a strong new freshman class this year.
(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Facebook page)
An official headcount enrollment of all students at 5,224 this year, versus a total of 5,364 in 2015, shows a drop of 140 students from last year, but university officials were enthusiastic with efforts to rebuild enrollment after a number of years of decreasing numbers.
Semester enrollment figures are reported to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
“We are thrilled to be seeing increases in new freshmen, transfers, and graduate students,” said Clarion University President Karen Whitney. “The increase in total number of new students at the university is the result of hard work by our admissions staff and recruiters, faculty, and a marketing effort that resonates with prospective students and their families. Clarion University is increasingly becoming a first choice among students in the region.”
Clarion’s enrollments in sport management and technology leadership have tripled, according to a university news release. Enrollment has more than doubled in the criminal justice administration and nursing bachelor’s degree programs. Graduate studies grew by 50 students over last year’s enrollment. This fall marks the largest bachelor’s degree-seeking freshman class since 2013 and the largest graduate student enrollment since 2012.
Graduate enrollment numbers showed the largest increase rising from 190 full-time students in 2015 to 229 in 2016 and from 619 part-time students in 2015 to 665 in 2016. Total headcount enrollment for graduate students rose to 85 students.
“The continued growth and success of our graduate programs is due to our intentional efforts to develop credential ladders – with one credential working seamlessly into the next credential from certificates and associate degrees, to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees – designed to prepare students for careers in their chosen fields of study,” said Whitney.
Enrollment is strong in the Master of Science programs in accounting and in counseling and mental health that began this semester.
“Enrollment recovery begins first with new students choosing Clarion University,” Whitney said. “A larger class of new students and a continued uptick in retention this fall pave the path toward full enrollment recovery and subsequent growth.”
According to statistics from Clarion University, there were 3,097 continuing undergraduates in 2015 and 2,998 this year.
Other factors contributing to enrollment success, according to the news release, include efforts such as new student housing, an emphasis on the retention of current students, and greater efforts in working with graduates to land their dream job.
“Our enrollment recovery is ahead of schedule due to the hard work by so many on campus,” said Whitney.
