NSU Enrollment Increases 6.3 Percent

Enrollment figures at Northeastern State University continued to rise in the Spring 2010 semester, with the university announcing a combined enrollment of 8,785 at the Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow campuses.

Enrollment increased 4 percent at Tahlequah, 21.7 percent at Muskogee and 11.5 percent at Broken Arrow.

This spring's enrollment is an increase of 6.3 percent over the Spring 2009 number of 8,265.

"There are several important factors that contributed to this," said Mark Kinders, vice president for University Relations. "The first is that those who are unemployed are seeking to improve their employment opportunities. Nationally, we know that's a smart move as those with just a high school diploma have an unemployment rate twice that of college graduates."

NSU also reaches, informs and attracts potential students online and through local media. University Relations recently intensified these efforts and encourages faculty, staff and students to convey Northeastern's message.

"NSU has been actively telling its story about what sets us apart as an institution," Kinders said. "We have two campuses in Broken Arrow and Muskogee that really cater to the needs of adult, working and returning undergraduate and graduate students. Our Tahlequah campus offers a traditional, residential experience."

Kinders said the ability to cater to different educational lifestyles gives students options to pursue higher learning.

"Combine that with strong academic programs and a real sense of a welcoming community among students, faculty and staff, and it makes us a smart choice for a lot of individuals," he said.

Credit hours earned by students also increased from a year ago, from 94,910 in Spring 2009 to 100,362 in Spring 2010an increase of 5.7 percent.

The College of Science and Health Professions saw the largest enrollment increase up 11.6 percent. NSU has targeted CSHP for growth at all three campuses because of the shortage of healthcare workers anticipated in Oklahoma in 2012. The state is also expecting a shortage of professionals in science, technology, engineering and math by 2014.

The College of Business and Technology followed closely behind in enrollment tallies up 8.2 percent. There was a 7.6 percent increase in the College of Education, and the College of Optometry saw a 2.8 percent rise.

Enrollment in the College of Liberal Arts decreased one percent, but Kinders said CLA credit hours earned will show an increase when finalized. The credit hours earned per college are not yet available.

Visit www.nsuok.edu to find out more about educational opportunities available at NSU.