Stats for spring reveal positive momentum and opportunities for growth

Significant shifts in enrollment patterns across higher education dating back more than 10 years have grown during the pandemic era. While flagship institutions appear to have weathered the storm more easily than regional universities, Purdue University Fort Wayne has reason to believe—aided greatly by a strong foundation—that it’s ready to emerge from the pandemic more resilient and better prepared to deliver improved academic achievement and an enhanced student experience.

Specific to the spring 2022 semester, data in the areas of graduate studies, overall retention, and student housing continue to reveal positive momentum and opportunities for growth.

Strategies to improve student retention at PFW are bearing fruit. Year-over-year growth is at 6% for first-time, full-time direct from high school students, with overall retention in this category at 86%. Increases have also been tracked across all residency statuses. During uncertain times, PFW leaders believe these numbers reflect stronger engagement throughout the entire university community and a common vision to help students earn their Purdue degrees.

Additional student demographic highlights in the area of retention include:

• An 11.3% increase in retention of Black students with 86.7% overall retention
• A 17.1% increase in retention of Black female students with 85.4% overall retention
• A 5.4% increase in the retention of Black male students with 80.7% overall retention
• A 9% increase in the retention of male students with 86.7% overall retention

The stabilization of recent enrollment trends is also reason for optimism, and increases in credit hour production from out-of-area students have allowed PFW to stabilize its budget too. As has been the case in recent years, increases in graduate student credit hour production—up 14.5% year over year—are helping lead the way. 

And despite a 4.1% combined enrollment decline for PFW and IUFW on year-over-year basis, PFW experienced a 37.7% increase in credit hour production from international students, a 19% increase in credit hours from domestic non-resident students, and a 370% increase in students participating in the Contiguous States Tuition Reciprocity Program. 

With PFW being fully part of the Purdue University system for the past four years, it has access to a larger applicant pool, as there are many high-achieving students who do not get accepted at Purdue. For those who meet PFW’s admission criteria, they are automatically admitted—and are accepting the offer of admission in growing numbers. For the fall 2022 cycle, PFW is already in communication with more than 8,000 of these students at the undergraduate level.

Looking forward to the fall 2022 semester, admissions year to date are up 15%, intents to enroll YTD are up 32%, and deposits YTD are up 6%. 

A vital objective in the university’s strategy to increase enrollment and reenergize the student experience in a healthier and more confident post-pandemic environment is the addition of main campus student housing.

Student housing at PFW since 2018 has remained very popular with occupancy over full capacity each fall semester and regularly above 90% every spring. Total student housing occupancy for the spring 2022 semester is 92%.

A positive start to the spring at PFW has raised the bar for fall semester expectations in key areas of growth. Stay tuned; the best is yet to come.