PennWest enrollment down this fall
While fall enrollment of new first-time students increased for the second straight year at state-owned universities, PennWest University saw a significant decline.
According to data released by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), enrollment of first-time students increased 3.4% in fall 2023 and is up a combined 10% for the fall semesters of 2022 and 2023.
However, total system enrollment dipped 2.2%, with 82,688 students taking classes at PASSHE schools, compared to 84,556 in the fall of 2022.
At PennWest University, operating in its second year with campuses in California, Clarion and Edinboro, total enrollment dropped 11.5%, the largest of any PASSHE school. PennWest saw a steep decline in first-time students of 20.5%, from 2,035 students in 2022 to 1,617 this fall.
PennWest enrollment for this year is 11,305 compared to 12,780 in 2022 and 14,477 in 2021, the last before the merger of the three campuses. As recently as 2013, the three schools had a combined enrollment of 21,421.
A press release issued by PennWest University states the school continues on a path to enrollment stability and fiscal sustainability.
“We are pleased with an increased retention rate from first-year students to sophomores,” said Dr. Lorraine Bernotsky, interim PennWest president, in response to the decline in headcount. “It’s a positive indicator, a reflection that we are offering that first class of PennWest students the courses, academic support and robust student life experiences they are looking for.”
PennWest report an increase of more than 3% in full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment from the target set for fall of 2023.
“Given the continued pressures facing higher education institutions and recognizing enrollment losses over the last decade, we strategically set our enrollment target for fall 2023,” said Dr. Sarah Freed, interim vice president for strategic enrollment management. “To be ahead of target for the number of FTE students – a number that universities use in budgeting – at this time is very positive and is essential to our goal of financial stability as an integrated university.”
According to the release, planning realistically for declines in population of college-age students, while continuing to offer a wealth of academic options for students, were two primary goals of university integration.
“Integration, along with strategic enrollment management plans and related budgeting models, has allowed PennWest to focus on what is important – offering our students expanded program choices that are delivered in ways that are most convenient for them,” Bernotsky said.
Seven PASSHE Universities increased first-time undergraduate degree or certificate-seeking enrollment in fall 2023, led by East Stroudsburg at 21.1%.
Along with new student enrollment, total enrollment continues to improve following the pandemic, with growth at five universities and nearly level total enrollment at three more universities. Again leading the way was East Stroudsburg, with an increase of 6%.
“The needs of students and the state are changing, and state system universities are continuing to evolve to best serve learners, employers and Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Dan Greenstein, PASSHE chancellor. “Our mission is to provide a high-quality education that prepares students for in-demand jobs at the lowest possible price, and I commend the faculty, staff and university leaders for their dedication to students and the future of Pennsylvania.”
In addition to Penn West, state system universities are Cheyney, Commonwealth (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield), East Stroudsburg, Indiana, Kutztown, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.