FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  |  Sept. 17, 2015

Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College has experienced its second year of enrollment growth under the college’s comprehensive Wilson Today plan. A total of 923 students are enrolled for the fall semester, an increase of more than 21 percent over fall 2014.

The traditional undergraduate college has added 166 new students – first-year and transfer students – a 15 percent increase from last fall, making this the largest incoming class since 1969. This class represents 16 states, 12 countries and six continents.

“It is wonderful to see the continuing growth in enrollment at Wilson. This result is a product of the entire campus community working together to make the initiatives of the Wilson Today plan a reality,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick. “Now, with two large classes on campus, you can feel a new energy on campus. And the diversity in our student body truly enhances the Wilson experience for everyone.”

College officials credit the initiatives of the Wilson Today plan for the increase in enrollment. Approved in January 2013, the plan includes a tuition reduction and student debt buyback program, new career-oriented academic programs, campus improvements, coeducation in all programs and improved marketing and retention efforts. As part of these efforts, the college placed an emphasis on creating a transfer-friendly environment that has more than doubled the number of transfer students enrolling since 2013.

The largest increase at the college is seen in graduate study, with 234 students enrolled across six degree programs – a 54 percent increase over fall 2014. Wilson’s graduate degree programs include accounting, education, humanities and, new this past year, nursing, fine arts and healthcare management for sustainability. The Adult Degree Program – for those who’ve been out of high school for at least four years –increased by 19 students this fall for a total of 292 students enrolled.

“People most often think of traditional-age students when they think of Wilson, but we really serve a much wider community,” said Mistick. “And they all play an important role in the financial stability of Wilson, as well as impacting the local economy.”

Wilson College has its largest enrollment in the traditional undergraduate program – primarily residential students – since 1973. This year, 397 are enrolled in the traditional undergraduate college, a 15 percent increase of students from a year ago. Men now represent 15 percent of this population and 17 percent of the total enrollment.

“The changes at Wilson, from coeducation to new career-oriented programs like special education certification, health and physical education and nursing, have led more students to look at Wilson. And Wilson’s recent reduction in tuition has been attractive to parents as well,” said Wilson Vice President for Enrollment Mary Ann Naso. “The hard work and dedication of our program directors, recruitment staff, coaches, faculty, staff and students has made our continued growth possible.”

Wilson’s continued enrollment increase stands in contrast to national enrollment trends. Based on the most recent data available, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported a decline of 1.3 percent in higher education enrollment nationally for 2014, while showing a modest 1.6 percent increase at four-year, private colleges. Since 2013, Wilson has seen a 28.8 percent increase in traditional undergraduate enrollment, with a 39.4 percent increase overall.

Wilson students come from as far away as California, Alaska and Florida. They represent 22 states (including Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia, as well as 16 foreign countries.

CONTACT:           
Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations
Phone: 717-262-2604
Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu

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Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 29 majors and master’s degrees in education, the humanities, accountancy, nursing, fine arts and healthcare management for sustainability. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation.

Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college has a fall 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.