Trine enrollment up

Spring student numbers highest in 37 years

 

Full-time students on Trine University’s main campus have increased by 11 percent over spring semester last year, contributing to the highest spring enrollment since 1972. The increase to 1,253 overall students corresponds with an increase in the resident student population—859 students, over 19 percent more residents than last spring.

Excitement about campus updates and beautification, a national spotlight on NCAA Division III sports, and new programs draw new students. A rewarding, enjoyable college experience retains more students than ever before to account in part for the enrollment growth, said Trine Vice President of Enrollment Management Scott Goplin.

Trine’s pattern of increased enrollment and retention for the past three years tracks to the strategic use of a retention initiative adopted by the university, Goplin said. Students feel fulfilled by their Trine educational and social experience, which has generated excitement and in turn doubled the resident student population over the past five years, he said. New campus amenities and activities make the university a vital place to live, learn, and grow personally and intellectually.

A competitive scholarship and financial aid program also helps to keep satisfied students coming back. “We are doing an optimal job of meeting financial need. Our commitment is to do our very best in troubled times,” Goplin said. The university’s efforts to control tuition cost have resulted in increases below the national average for over 10 years. “That also makes it possible to retain students,” Goplin said.

The publicity surrounding the university’s name change to Trine last June has also caused students and families to associate the change with the new campus improvements, sports success, and national listings by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review for excellence, he said. “Clearly, it has increased the level of excitement about our campus.”

For nearly five years, Trine’s administration and board of trustees has concentrated upon a master plan to improve the university’s campus and programs, resulting in the $90 million Vision for the Future capital campaign, now nearing completion. The revitalized campus and new momentum are directly attributable to the success of the master plan and campaign.