Record-Breaking Enrollment Projected to Surpass 12,000
For the fourth consecutive year, enrollment at Onondaga Community College is projected to reach a record-breaking high. This fall, the College projects enrollment of more than 12,000 students, a 14 percent increase over fall 2008 and the highest enrollment in the nearly 50-year history of the College. *Note: Final numbers will be available at the official census date later this fall.
In addition to the dramatic overall enrollment increase, at the start of the 2009-10 academic year, the College reported:
- Significant growth in nearly half of all academic degree programs, most notably Criminal Justice, General Studies and Math/Science. Engineering Science, Hospitality Management and a new degree program in Physical Education/Exercise Science also experienced pronounced increases.
- 25% increase in financial aid applications. Applicants to Onondaga cited financial aid – whether provided by Onondaga or another institution to which they applied – as the number-one factor in their enrollment decision.
- 8% increase in the number of students who are over age 21, many taking advantage of retraining dollars through the New York State Department of Labor.
- Significant enrollment increases in courses delivered in modes other than traditional daytime hours on the main campus. This includes late day (34% increase); North Site location in Liverpool (30% increase); Weekend (25% increase); and Online (19% increase).
- 16% increase in the number of students who maintained a B average or better in high school, and a 13% increase in recent high school graduates from Onondaga County. The top feeder high schools to Onondaga Community College are Cicero-North Syracuse, Liverpool and West Genesee.
- 10% increase in first-time Onondaga students, including 57 graduates of the Syracuse City School District who earned a “Say Yes to Education” award.
“The nearly 1,200 community colleges across the nation serve a broad spectrum of critical community and regional needs, including workforce development, community-based training, and affordable access to high quality degree programs, which is at the core of our mission,” said Onondaga Community College President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. “Though the current economic climate is challenging for all of us, Onondaga Community College has weathered the financial storm with its mission to access intact and its commitment to quality uncompromised. Now more than ever, local students and their families from throughout our service region are demonstrating the value of attending community college as an excellent first step in higher education.”
“Analysis of student application patterns indicate that more and more students who were high achievers in high school are applying to four-year colleges and universities and Onondaga. These students have many choices available to them, and they are increasingly making Onondaga Community College their college of choice,” said Kristine Duffy, associate vice president of enrollment services.