09/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2024 13:10
Sep 11, 2024 11:15 AM
While many colleges and universities across the nation continue to experience decreases in student enrollment, at Frostburg State University, census data released today shows enrollment among students is on the rise again, exceeding 4,100 this year - the highest total student enrollment since fall 2021. This number includes students enrolled in our additional international location. This is the second year of enrollment growth at FSU.
"Hitting this milestone of achieving two consecutive years of growth means we are reaching students from all over and they are learning about the quality education and experience they can get at Frostburg State University," said Natalie Wagoner, Director of Admissions at FSU. This dedication to the FSU college experience is evident in the increase in first-time students returning for their next fall term from 65% last fall to 70% this fall.
Wagoner said students in western Maryland are staying closer to home and are recognizing the value of the education they can get at FSU. "Over the past several years we have worked hard to demonstrate the quality experience students have in a college town."
That hard work is paying off. Frostburg recently took the number three spot in USA Today's 10 Best Small College Towns in the U.S. rankings for its lively and walkable main street full of unique shops and restaurants and the beauty of the surrounding region.
Frostburg offers students the option of choosing from more than 50 majors and over 30 specializations. One exciting area of growth is online programs, which is largely attributed to FSU's online Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This program allows students flexibility completing their studies, and this along with FSU's RN to BSN and Frostburg's four-year traditional BSN program, demonstrates that the University is meeting students where they are in life by giving them options to get where they want to be.
Also, in place at FSU is a very robust, multi-focused Strategic Enrollment Plan that has been endorsed by the University System of Maryland's Board of Regents. Moving forward, FSU's two strategic initiatives focus on enrollment and campus culture.
"We are being very strategic to target specific programs and disciplines to plan for future enrollment increases, including non-traditional, online students and international students, building on our successes in the LPN to BSN degree and adding three additional athletic programs," said Dr. Ron Nowaczyk, president of FSU. "We have also created the Bobcat Academy for talented regional high school students who earn college credits on FSU's campus."
At FSU, students receive a valuable educational experience with low tuition costs and strong financial aid packages from a reputable institution that doesn't leave students saddled with debt after graduation.
"Frostburg State is committed to providing pathways for education attainment, no matter who you are or where you are in life," said Wagoner. "From affordable, valuable experiences to robust transfer credits and online programs, students see that Frostburg is where they can achieve their goals."