KEYSER — Early indicators showed that Potomac State College of West Virginia University was set for a record-breaking fall enrollment. Now, data, compiled for the Higher Education Policy Commission, shows that the college’s expectations were surpassed and the final tally came to 1,810 students.
This reflects a 14 percent increase over the 2008 enrollment for a total of 228 additional students and the college’s highest enrollment to date.
The college saw an increase in their in-state students, up by 17.5 percent, as well as their out-of-state students, up by 5.4 percent. Metro students who come from bordering counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia where residents are offered a tuition discount off the out-of-state rate, held at the same number of students as the previous year.
Beth Little, director of Potomac State’s Office of Enrollment Services, points out that while the bulk of the increase is in first-time, full-time freshmen, this year is different from years past in that many of the students coming through the door were returning sophomores.
“We’re seeing where the national economic situation, coupled with Potomac State’s reasonable tuition and fees, definitely played a role in the decision-making process,” stated Little.
“Students decided to stay one more year before moving onto
Morgantown or other campuses to complete their four-year degrees.”
Additionally, students are returning to PSC not only for their second year but also for their third and fourth years if enrolled in one of the college’s four-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree emphases which include business management and criminal justice (CJ). This year 52 percent more students opted to pursue PSC’s BAS degree.
“Our BAS program allows students to complete a four-year degree here without leaving the region,” stated Douglas Wilmes, dean of curriculum and instruction.
“Not only is this a savings of time but also a savings of money because Potomac State’s bachelor’s rates are the lowest in the state.”
Other areas experiencing a significant increase in students this fall included the associate of arts degree programs in education and in CJ. The Education program has 52 more students in classrooms for a 33 percent increase while the CJ program has grown by 48 students for a 56 percent increase.
“Potomac State is experiencing the results of years of hard work enhancing not only academic offerings but also facilities across campus; therefore, improving the overall college experience for our students,” concluded Campus Provost Kerry Odell.
For further information about Potomac State College, visit www.potomacstatecollege.edu.
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KEYSER — Early indicators showed that Potomac State College of West Virginia University was set for a record-breaking fall enrollment. Now, data, compiled for the Higher Education Policy Commission, shows that the college’s expectations were surpassed and the final tally came to 1,810 students.
This reflects a 14 percent increase over the 2008 enrollment for a total of 228 additional students and the college’s highest enrollment to date.
The college saw an increase in their in-state students, up by 17.5 percent, as well as their out-of-state students, up by 5.4 percent. Metro students who come from bordering counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia where residents are offered a tuition discount off the out-of-state rate, held at the same number of students as the previous year.
Beth Little, director of Potomac State’s Office of Enrollment Services, points out that while the bulk of the increase is in first-time, full-time freshmen, this year is different from years past in that many of the students coming through the door were returning sophomores.
“We’re seeing where the national economic situation, coupled with Potomac State’s reasonable tuition and fees, definitely played a role in the decision-making process,” stated Little.
“Students decided to stay one more year before moving onto
Morgantown or other campuses to complete their four-year degrees.”
Additionally, students are returning to PSC not only for their second year but also for their third and fourth years if enrolled in one of the college’s four-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree emphases which include business management and criminal justice (CJ). This year 52 percent more students opted to pursue PSC’s BAS degree.
“Our BAS program allows students to complete a four-year degree here without leaving the region,” stated Douglas Wilmes, dean of curriculum and instruction.
“Not only is this a savings of time but also a savings of money because Potomac State’s bachelor’s rates are the lowest in the state.”
Other areas experiencing a significant increase in students this fall included the associate of arts degree programs in education and in CJ. The Education program has 52 more students in classrooms for a 33 percent increase while the CJ program has grown by 48 students for a 56 percent increase.
“Potomac State is experiencing the results of years of hard work enhancing not only academic offerings but also facilities across campus; therefore, improving the overall college experience for our students,” concluded Campus Provost Kerry Odell.
For further information about Potomac State College, visit www.potomacstatecollege.edu.
