WVU Parkersburg fall enrollment increases

WVU Parkersburg experiences second largest fall enrollment since becoming a regional campus of West Virginia University.

CONTACT: WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage, 304-424-8200.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg has experienced the second largest fall enrollment since becoming a regional campus of West Virginia University.

A total of 3,884 students enrolled in classes for the fall semester. It is the largest enrollment at the Parkersburg campus since 1992.

The enrollment increase represents a 2.97% increase in headcount. The college's fall enrollment has grown by 2% or more for five of the past six years.

College officials expect to top 4,000 students next fall.

"We continue to fine-tune our course schedule to respond to the needs of our students and the region," noted WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage.

"A large percentage of our increase in headcount is directly related to the offering of more on-line and alternative delivery courses as well as the availability of additional bachelor's programs," she added.

Growth in web-based and blended courses has accounted for nearly 12 % of the institution’s overall enrollment increase. In addition, reciprocity agreements with area technical centers are contributing to enrollment growth by creating seamless pathways from secondary education to college.

WVU Parkersburg is also serving a wider audience, college officials noted. For the fall semester, the institution attracted students from 35 of West Virginia's 55 counties as well as five other states. Sixty percent of WVU Parkersburg’s students reside in Wood County and 18% are from Jackson County where the college maintains its Jackson County Center.

More than 60% of the college’s students are pursuing associate degrees while 17% indicate their degree objective is a bachelor’s degree. The most popular programs are Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science degrees in nursing and in business administration, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree.

WVU Parkersburg became a regional campus of WVU in 1989. The Parkersburg campus is the state's sixth largest public institution of higher education.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)