Private School Student Outpaces 2002-03 Forecasts, New Student Enrollment 9% Over Previous Year

 (540) 365-4307/ lbowling@ferrum.edu

           With check-in complete and the school year underway, Ferrum College boasted total student enrollment at 942, the highest total enrollment since the 1999-2000 academic year. The greatest 2002-03 population jump was experienced in new student enrollment. Throughout the admissions recruitment cycle, College administrators projected new student enrollment, which includes both freshman and transfer students, to close at approximately 350 students. The school instead finds itself with 381 new students this fall—a 9% increase over last year.

           Full time enrollment of 921, composed of both new and returning students, has increased by 4.4% over the previous year. In the 2001-02 year, full time enrollment totaled 882.

           The College anticipated a strong recruitment year, but administrators were gratified by a trend yielding the largest number of new (freshman and transfer) students since the 1998-99 year.

           “We do not attribute our success to a single factor,” says Dr. Dan Miller, vice president for student affairs and enrollment. “Our success is the culmination of a systematic approach to enhance the academic and residential experience, based in part on our ability to respond to evolving students expectations and needs. From 1998 when we placed computers in every residence hall room to the ongoing, aggressive recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty to extensive facilities enhancements, we provide a traditional learning environment while satisfying contemporary students’ expectations. Students want to be at Ferrum, and students are happy at Ferrum.”

           Director of Admissions Gilda Woods, forecasts a bright future, “This has been a tremendous recruiting year. Families are attracted to Ferrum for reasons as diverse as the arrival of our new president, our continuing message, and our affordability. Whether it is an excellent classroom experience or an exceptional life experience, Ferrum becomes an obvious option for college bound students.”

           “Too, many schools brag about small class size and personalized attention, but few can actually demonstrate these services, especially to freshman. I think students and families are increasingly informed consumers who know how to ask pointed questions about the experience they can expect at college,” continues Miller.

           Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. To learn more about the College, call 1-800-868-9797 or visit www.ferrum.edu.
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