Jersey City, N.J. – Saint Peter’s College has experienced a 19 percent increase in applications submitted by prospective freshman students for the fall 2010 semester. Additionally, the College observed a 13 percent increase in overall inquiries from a combined pool of prospective freshman students and transfer students.
“An aggressive inquiry acquisition plan was executed through a mix of direct mail marketing, advertising, and strategic recruitment planning, which has positively affected the volume of applications,” said Terence Peavy, vice president for enrollment management and marketing.
Of the applicants, the College has seen an increase from prospective students in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, as well as from California, Florida, Rhode Island and the Virgin Islands.
The number of transfer students who enrolled at Saint Peter’s increased by 66 percent from the past year for the spring 2010 semester, the highest the College has experienced in eight years. “We were able to identify students who were accepted to the College in the previous term, but chose to enroll at two year schools instead,” noted Peavy. “This indicates to us that the economy and initial cost of higher education was a deciding factor for students.”
The admission office has also reconnected with community colleges in New Jersey to renew articulation agreements, such as with Middlesex County College, which allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology. The students spend two years at Middlesex completing courses; if they achieve a 2.75 grade point average, they are eligible to complete their biotechnology degree at Saint Peter’s over two additional years.
“We’ve been successful in raising awareness about Saint Peter’s College in the minds of prospective students and their families. Teachers, guidance counselors and our strong contingent of alumni have also provided positive reinforcement,” said Peavy. “The number of applicants and inquiries are a strong indicator of students who will enroll in the fall. However, there is no guarantee. We will need to continue our vigorous outreach tactics in order to meet enrollment goals.”
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.