Wilmington College is starting the fall 2024 semester with its highest enrollment since the pandemic, bucking a trend among independent Midwest colleges of declining numbers of students.
The College’s 1,042 total students in its programs represent the most since the nation emerged from the COVID-19 crisis and includes 7.5 percent growth from last fall. Now, in the third week of classes, WC’s official “14-day enrollment numbers” are reported to the Dept. of Education and other higher education entities.
The favorable enrollment complements several other achievements realized this summer. WC completed the 2023-24 fiscal year with a balanced budget and the Higher Learning Commission awarded the institution 10-year, “gold-standard” status for the re-accreditation of its programs. Also, the largest residence halls on campus underwent major renovations in time for student move-in and the installation of a new track is well underway and on target for completion by Homecoming in mid-September.
President Corey Cockerill stressed the College community’s dedication and can-do attitude in recruiting and retaining the larger student body, especially when this part of the country is experiencing the so-called “enrollment cliff” in which there have been fewer high school graduates over the past decade and a smaller percentage of those graduates attending traditional colleges.
“Our admission staff, coaches and faculty present the proven value of a Wilmington College education to prospective students and their families — not only in terms of earning potential but through our practical, hands-on approach,” she emphasized. “We don’t just teach theory; we immerse students in real-world experiences that prepare them for a life of service and success.”
Cockerill also noted the attraction of “signature experiences” offered at the College for students, such as a strong sense of community, appealing student/faculty ratios, opportunities for conducting research and engaging in travel and study-away ventures.
Adam Lohrey, vice president for enrollment and marketing, noted this fall’s enrollment features a strong retention of first-year students who enrolled last year and returned this fall as sophomores. At 72 percent, that is the highest persistence rate for that cohort in more than a decade. The new, main campus students come from Ohio and 18 other states and five countries outside the United States. The College continues to attract a diverse student body and this year has realized increased numbers of Hispanic students. “We embrace a diverse student population and acknowledge the value for all students from that experience,” he added.
The emerging Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, which graduated its first cohort in May, has the most students ever and WC also is experiencing growth in its online offerings, especially from its Master of Organizational Leadership program.
In addition, where many other schools are cutting academic programs, WC is adding them, going into this fall with new degrees in public health, sports nutrition, cybersecurity management, and logistics and supply chain management. “We added new programs directly tied to workforce needs in Ohio,” he said. “We’re adding career-oriented majors.”
Lohrey noted the College is a “premier destination” for local students, as WC is a foundational pillar in the community with a long history of serving many of the area’s educational, cultural and diverse programming needs. WC also enjoys a significant niche as one of only a few institutions in Ohio to offer programs in agriculture leading to bachelor’s degrees. Indeed, nearly a third of main campus students major in agriculture and equine business management.
“Wilmington College is an affordable institution in which the financial investment is manageable,” Lohrey said, noting that essentially all students earn some type of financial assistance. “The College makes higher education accessible.”
This past year, the higher education industry was rocked by the federal government’s FAFSA debacle, a long-delayed process for updating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid that resulted in many students giving up and not going to college. WC enrolled a phenomenally high percentage of those who ultimately completed the form, largely months after the normal application period.
“We got the students that really wanted to be here to stick with us,” Lohrey said. “They trusted us on our promise of affordability. We’re small and nimble and able to navigate turbulent times in higher education. We’re showing we can out-perform in this uncertain climate.”
PHOTO: Students traverse the campus en route to lunch today.