Spring ’15 Enrollment Tops Last Year

Spring 2015 enrollment at The University of Findlay has increased 8.3 percent over spring 2014. The total number of students enrolled for the current semester is 3,876 compared to 3,578 enrolled for spring 2014.
The overall enrollment figure includes a 3.1 percent increase in undergraduate students and a 21.2 percent increase in graduate students. Undergraduate enrollment has jumped to 2,624 for spring 2015 compared to 2,545 in the same semester last year. The increase in graduate enrollment is significant, going from 1,033 students in spring 2014 to 1,252 students currently.
The University has experienced a healthy increase in international students, with total international enrollment currently at 574, compared to 423 one year ago. There are 41 countries represented in the UF student body.
The enrollment growth comes at a time when many Ohio universities are showing decreasing or stagnant numbers. UF attributes its increase to several factors.
“I think it’s the application of the old adage, ‘planning the work and working the plan’,” said Katherine Fell, Ph.D., president. “We have involved our trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni in formulating eight strategic goals and have worked steadily to accomplish them. One of those goals is growing targeted enrollment.”
Rebecca Butler, vice president for enrollment management, believes the culture of the University, along with the helpful attitude of faculty and staff, contributes significantly to attracting students.
“Students and parents really experience what we say in our marketing materials. . . professors that are concerned and accessible, opportunities for undergraduate research, learning both in and out of the classroom and an inviting campus with many student organizations and athletic opportunities, “ Butler added.
New undergraduate majors such as nursing have attracted students interested in the growing health care fields. Graduate programs added in the past few years include a master of arts in rhetoric and writing and a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) The University also offers several degree completion programs targeted to those who work full time and need classes online.