CWU Sees an Enrollment Increase of More than 600 Students

October 12, 2009

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — If Central Washington University’s campuses seems busier than normal, it’s because CWU just took on 633 more students this year, putting the total student headcount at 10, 820. Last year CWU had 10,187 students.

“The increase speaks to the outstanding work of those in enrollment management and the faculty and staff in academic affairs who supported the recruitment of new students and the retention of returning students,” says President Jim Gaudino. “This large increase stretches us to the limit. It’s a balancing act — providing access to higher education while also meeting the demands placed on faculty and staff, but CWU is up to the challenge.”

In today’s market, future graduates need opportunities to prepare for high-demand fields, such as medicine, information technology and the sciences. CWU gives them these opportunities. It’s also home to the only two, four-year degrees in paramedics and aviation in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, CWU recently increased its number of online degrees and course offerings, giving place-bound and professional students a chance to earn a degree.

“This is the largest increase I’ve seen in the 15 years I’ve been here,” says Registrar Tracy Terrell. “There are several reasons why enrollment’s increased, such as larger financial aid awards.”

The university changed its scholarship and financial aid structures to meet student needs. By decreasing the amount of merit-based aid, the university was able to give more money out to more people — $11 million so far. The criteria to receive aid was also changed. Instead of reporting prior-year income, parents and students were allowed to report current-year information — a benefit considering the recent change in the economy.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment, Charlotte Tullos, agrees. “All of this speaks well for Central and the strides we’ve made in recruitment and retention. Over the past eight years, enrollment’s increased by about 30 percent. That’s due in large part to CWU’s reputation for quality and value. Other strategies, such as expanding our recruitment to new markets, have helped with the recent increase and new software has allowed us to stay in contact with students and parents all year long,” she says.

CWU will continue its aid and outreach efforts in the future to ensure that students from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to obtain a degree.

Media Contacts: Liz Bryson, Public Relations and Marketing, 509-963-2714, brysone@cwu.edu

Becky Watson, Public Relations and Marketing, 509-963-1117, bwatson@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.