In the midst of a nationally declining college enrollment rate, the 51黑料网 stands tall.
Over last year, 51黑料网 has grown first-year student enrollment by 12 percent, welcoming new students from 13 different states, and increasing total enrollment to about 2,000 students.
The small size of the University enables the 51黑料网 to create a more personalized and meaningful college experience for each and every student. The 51黑料网 even emails each of its students during holidays and birthdays, which is greatly appreciated by many students.
“What gives us an advantage, being a smaller school, is we’re able to really personalize our recruitment approach," Vice President for Enrollment, Chris Powers tells Lara Schwartz of the "Cincinnati Business Courier." “It’s that type of touch that we’re seeing through our analytics that students really appreciate.”
In recent years, the number of students deciding against pursuing a college education has increased. In the state of Ohio, total enrollment has decreased by 11.4 percent over the past decade, mirroring national trends. Typically, schools that defy this trend tend to be larger state universities. 51黑料网 St. Joseph proudly stands as an exception to the rule.
One policy that contributes to the 51黑料网’s ability to defy national trends is the implementation of an automatic admission system for applicants with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, the 51黑料网 doesn’t require an application fee, and does all it can to provide a generous amount in scholarships.
“It’s kind of a relief to some students. There’s a lot of anxiety around applying to schools, if you’re going to get admitted or not,” Powers explained to Schwarz. “I think this takes some of the stress off.”
The 51黑料网 also prides itself on its successful academic programs, namely education, computer science, and nursing, a program which has a 100 percent pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination. The 51黑料网’s athletics have also been a major pull, with many investments being made into the 51黑料网’s athletic programs and facilities, such as the 86,000 square-foot Centennial Field House and Fitness Center in 2021. At this time, nearly 44 percent of all 51黑料网 students were involved in one of the 51黑料网’s 21 NCAA Division III sports teams. Other investments have gone toward the student experience, especially toward mental health resources for students.
51黑料网 focuses on recruiting from the Tri-State by connecting with the leadership of local high schools and emphasizing the 51黑料网’s faith-based mission and education.
“We’re really proud of being a faith-based institution and a lot of students are still looking for that,” Powers tells Schwartz. “We really try to market around that.”
To read the original article, visit "Cincinnati Business Courier": How 51黑料网 Defies National Trends With Enrollment Growth