Enrollment has increased for the first time in two years.
This year 2,900 students enrolled at OCU, which is an increase from 2,861 last year. Previously, enrollment numbers decreased slightly each year from 3,386 students in 2013.
The changes may stem from scholarships and prioritization, said Kevin Windholz, vice president of enrollment management.
“In the past, we have given out scholarships that have no money behind them,” he said. “University budgets forced us to reduce those amounts, reducing the number of people we could help. Things are starting to finally stabilize now.”
The increase is reflected in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Miss America, Clara Luper, and other university scholarships not funded by outside money were reduced during the last three years.
The reductions directly correlated with the decrease in enrollment numbers, particularly in undergraduate arts and sciences students, Windholz said.
He said he attributes the recent increase to new programs in the nursing and business schools. Meinders School of Business revamped their master’s degree and the university launched an accredited physician assistant program.
Additionally, the Kramer School of Nursing added paths to earn a nursing degree. Aside from traditional onsite bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, the school partnered with Duncan Regional Hospital in Duncan, Okla., to offer a bachelor’s program there, as well as a master’s degree via live streaming.
“These changes have begun attracting new students and will continue to help enrollment grow,” Windholz said. “Increased enrollment is desirable, but there is no numerical goal. Each department has their own cap.”
Jordan Tartar, English freshman, thought there were 4,500 students enrolled at OCU.
“I think numbers are lower because of the high cost and lack of advertising to out-of-state high schools,” he said.
Alanah Hosford, cell and molecular biology sophomore, said she sees visible growth in enrollment.
“New improvements like the PA program and new chemistry labs are definitely attracting new students,” Hosford said. “There have already been 60 science students admitted for next year. They might not all come here, but that is some kind of record.”
Carlos Sanchez, English freshman, said he is happy with current numbers.
“Why do we need more people,” he said. “I like this size.”
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