Clarion University’s 2016-17 enrollment numbers include 941 new freshmen and 308 new graduate students, an increase of 49 over last year’s enrollment in those categories.
"We are thrilled to be seeing increases in new freshmen, transfers and graduate students,” said Clarion 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. 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.
"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," Whitney said.
Enrollment is strong in the Master of Science programs in accounting and in counseling and mental health, which 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."
Other factors contributing to enrollment success 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.
Overall, enrollment this fall is 5,224.
"Our enrollment recovery is ahead of schedule due to the hard work by so many on campus," Whitney said.