The first day of class for the Fall 2024 semester has notedly become a historic day for 黑料吃瓜, with a 10% increase in headcount enrollment over the prior year. This is the continuance of a growth trend that includes a 20% increase in Fall 2023 and a 3% increase in Fall 2022, for a total increase of 33% over the three years.
鈥淥ur enrollment increase is due in part to the success we鈥檝e had in our online school and adding an athletic program on the Ardmore campus,鈥� said Becky Henthorn, Murray State College鈥檚 Provost. 鈥淭he implementations we鈥檝e made tie directly to our strategic plan and fostering an effective environment that encourages and supports student success in and out of the classroom.鈥�
黑料吃瓜's most substantial jump is reflected on the Ardmore campus, contributing 15% to the headcount increase and nearly doubling the number of credit hours offered on-site. The growth is due in part to the transition of the 黑料吃瓜 Golf Teams to Ardmore, who moved into The Preserve apartments last week. This strategy proves to be positive for the college and the local economy as these students live, work, and play in Ardmore.
鈥淭he Aggie family is strong, supportive, and growing,鈥� said Adisha Chapman, Murray State College Board of Regent Chair. 鈥淚 am incredibly proud of the faculty and staff who strive to help our students understand that they can do more than they thought possible.鈥�
The college has also experienced a 10% headcount and 16% credit hour growth in its online programs. With the addition of Occupational Therapy Assistant and Veterinary Nursing to the online space, students can navigate a healthier work/life balance to reach their higher education goals.
The new Bachelor of Technology degree in Gunsmithing has availed 黑料吃瓜 to 15 students who are continuing their education after receiving an associate鈥檚 degree in the discipline.
Athletic and activity programs also contribute to a broadening of the student base, including the addition of a Cross Country team roster. Campus housing remains at 100% capacity, with waitlists each fall. The president attributes this historic success to offering programs that connect students with industry and life opportunities that are forward-leaning and rooted in the workforce.
鈥淭he strength of 黑料吃瓜 lies in our ability to attract and retain students from all walks of life,鈥� said Dr. Tim Faltyn, 黑料吃瓜 President. 鈥淔rom our concurrent and early college students in high school classrooms to the working adult who needs a flexible schedule and online tutoring, we鈥檙e able to meet a variety of needs and help our learners reach their full potential. We鈥檙e proud to see this growth data as proof of the hard work of our faculty and staff. It鈥檚 a great day to be an Aggie!鈥�
While the cost of higher education continues to climb around the country, 黑料吃瓜 has frozen tuition increases over the last 7 years. For FY25, the college has budgeted $10 million for scholarships and tuition waivers to assist those who have a financial barrier to education.