At a time when the national student recruitment environment is challenging, West Virginia State University (WVSU) has posted a second consecutive year of increased enrollment according to preliminary fall 2014 figures.
As of Sept 4, 2014, fall enrollment at WVSU stood at 2,847 students, an increase of 170 students, or 6.4 percent, over the 2,677 who attended the Institute school in fall 2013. Student enrollment in the fall of 2012 was 2,644.
“This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the variety of new and long-standing, quality areas of study we offer at West Virginia State,” said President Brian O. Hemphill. “Coupled with the infrastructure investments we have made on campus, including the opening of our first new residence hall since 1969, more students are choosing State to continue their education and prepare them to lead the workforce of tomorrow.”
WVSU posted an enrollment gain in the number of students transferring from other colleges and universities. Transfer students are up nearly 20 percent from fall 2013 with 276 students opting to come to Institute. In addition, WVSU welcomed 422 first-time freshmen in fall 2014.
WVSU continues to make strides in recruiting from areas outside of West Virginia with 211 undergraduate students coming from other states or countries, an increase of nearly 13 percent over fall 2013 numbers.
In addition, WVSU has improved its rate of retention among first-time, full-time students who started their education in Institute. In fall 2012, the retention rate stood at 50.5 percent, but that has risen steadily over the past two years to 59.1 percent for fall 2014.
“This shows the investments we have made in academic programs, student life and infrastructure are paying off as our students are choosing to stay here,” Hemphill said. “We continue to support the region’s economic needs by developing new programs such as the state’s first business administration concentration in energy management, while at the same time continuing to expand our offerings in the areas of science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. These investments pay long-term dividends for our students when it comes to starting and growing a successful career.”
Final enrollment figures for the 2014-2015 academic year will be released in October, as part of WVSU’s annual reporting to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
