For the News Tribune
KEYSER – The trend is continuing as Potomac State College of West Virginia University is experiencing its best spring enrollment in history.
There are 1,604 students attending classes this spring, which equates to a 15 percent increase or 212 more students compared to this time a year ago.
This past fall, Potomac State announced its best enrollment in the history of the college with 1,810 students reflecting a 14 percent increase over the 2008 fall enrollment.
The college experienced an increase this spring in the number of returning freshmen and sophomores from the fall 2009 semester at the rate of 22 and 25 percent, respectively.
Beth Little, director of
Enrollment Services, believes there are two key factors contributing to Potomac State’s enrollment growth – the economy and the college’s affordable tuition .
“Students are realizing not only is this a good time to be in school but it’s also a good time to stay in school. It’s a competitive job market out there and now more than ever education is a determining factor between job applicants,” said Little.
Potomac State’s tuition and fees are the lowest of any four-year institution in the state as recently reported in the West Virginia Higher Education 2009 Report Card.
Currently, an in-state student pays $2,886 per year in tuition and fees. Students living in one of Potomac State’s five residence halls pay among the lower room and board costs of four-year public institutions in the state. Therefore, Potomac State College was listed as the four-year public post-secondary institution with the lowest cost of attendance in 2009 according to the report card.
Comparatively, the college is also experiencing its best spring semester for residence occupancy with 569 students compared to 485 last year - a 17 percent increase.
“Potomac State has worked hard over the past 10 years to keep in-state tuition increases to a minimum,” states Campus Provost Kerry Odell. “Providing a high-quality, affordably priced college-education is our commitment to our students and their families.”
To review the West Virginia Higher Education 2009 Report Card, go to https://www.wvhepc.org/commission/WebAttachment1.pdf.
To learn more about Potomac State College of WVU, visit www.potomacstatecollege.edu