MARIETTA, OHIO—Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) reported an uptick in enrollment and credit hours for the fall semester while most of Ohio’s community colleges saw a decline in numbers.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) recently released preliminary enrollment data for the fall 2021 semester. Among the 23 community colleges in Ohio, WSCO ranked #5 in overall fall 2021 enrollment change with a 2.3 percent increase in headcount compared to the previous year. The average change in enrollment among Ohio’s community colleges was a decline of 2.4 percent with some institutions declining by 15 percent or more.
“Washington State has been working hard to connect our local residents with degree and certificate options and our fall enrollment demonstrates that fact. While the enrollment landscape has been challenging for colleges across Ohio and beyond, WSCO is proud to be among the short list of institutions that is growing,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Amanda Herb.
WSCO’s fall enrollment totaled 1,856. The institution also reported a 3 percent increase in credit hours for a total of 16,245 hours.
Herb said this fall is the second year that WSCO has utilized the “4 Disciplines of Execution,” or 4DX methodology, to help its faculty and staff execute strategic priorities across campus. The concept involves campus-wide engagement to focus priorities. For WSCO, those priority areas are increasing adult student enrollment and increasing the number of degrees/certificates earned.
“Our utilization of the 4DX model is definitely working,” Herb confirmed. “Each of our teams at the college meets weekly to review progress on our departmental strategies, which ultimately impact the larger institutional priorities. The approach has helped the entire college align its efforts to create impact. Every department is actively engaged in implementing strategy and supporting our students, from faculty members to our custodial staff.”
To maintain its momentum, the college is now focused on enrollment for the Spring 2022 semester. WSCO has several initiatives to support and encourage current students to persist and new students to enroll, including assistance filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) tuition assistance and emergency aid, as well as help paying past due balances owed the college.
New students can apply for the Spring Start Scholarship and returning students can apply for the Spring Achievement Scholarship. Both are available at wscc.edu/scholarships. Applications for tuition assistance and emergency grants through HEERF funds for students impacted by COVID-19 can be found at wscc.edu/current/financial-aid/covid-resources. For questions about any of the resources available as well as to make an appointment for FAFSA filing assistance, contact the financial aid department at 740.568.1908 or email finaid@wscc.edu.
