Spurred by growth in its freshman class and enrollment at all three of its campus locations, enrollment for the fall semester at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is at its highest level since 2013.
In preliminary enrollment information presented to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Northwestern reported headcount enrollment of 2,220 students, an increase of 4 percent over last year’s count of 2,135.
“This year’s enrollment report delivers two positive messages,” said Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president. “First, students and their families continue to strongly believe that earning a college degree is critical to long-term career success. Second, the combination of strong academic programs, buoyed by quality teaching and our affordability continue to make Northwestern a compelling choice in higher education.”
The number of first-time freshmen at the University jumped 12.2 percent this fall with 431 newcomers enrolled.
“Growing enrollment in new freshmen was a priority during the past year,” Cunningham said. “It was a university-wide effort beginning with our recruitment staff and including the active participation of faculty and general staff. I am proud of their efforts, and it clearly paid dividends.”
At the main campus in Alva, enrollment increased 4.5 percent to 1,440 students. A larger enrollment, plus completed renovations at two dormitories, has led to a larger number of students residing in student housing.
Northwestern campus locations in Woodward and Enid experienced double-digit gains.
Enrollment in Woodward surged 16.7 percent to 286 students, compared with last year’s count of 245.
The increase was similar in Enid with 243 students enrolled, an increase of 13.6 percent over last fall’s enrollment of 214.
Northwestern also saw growth in concurrent enrollment and in online classes, but did experience a dip in enrollment at outreach sites.