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Institutions of higher learning in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Metropolitan Area are thriving. Even during hard economic times.
The University of Scranton set an all-time undergraduate enrollment record this fall with 1,059 students enrolled. The university received 9,045 applicants – the largest pool of applicants in the school’s history!
King’s College saw a record number of new students enrolling for the fall semester. The school’s full-time enrollment of 2,025 sets a record as well as receiving a record number of applicants (2565).
Wilkes University will welcome 570 freshmen this fall, up from 497 last year. The enrollment this fall will tie for the second highest number of students in the school’s history.
Keystone College will welcome 1400 full-time and 400 part-time students this fall. The highest enrollment since the school’s founding. 330 new freshmen will swell the student body. Over 500 students will be living on campus this year, a record number.
Marywood University will have 1,100 students living on campus this year after constructing three new dormitories. This is the most students to have ever lived on campus.
Misericordia University set a record for applications received. This year’s 2,011 applications represent a 24 percent increase over last year’s record number.
Roy's Rants - For Your Information 
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What do you think are the reasons for the increase in enrollment?
I think it is because fewer students are going out of state.
I am not sure. The schools showing healthy increases in this case are private and not cheap. Maybe people figure if they are going in debt for a degree they might as well go to the best schools money can buy?
My undergraduate degree, including room, board, tuition, books etc.. was under $10,000 for all 4 1/2 years. I am showing my age with that admission but that would not even pay for one year now, and in many cases not even one semester!
I was just having this discussion with my parents. We spoke about my tuition, books, living expenses, etc. and noted that that combined pricewas still under today’s tuition prices. I’m in fear of my children going to school and those costs. Can you say finanical aid? Student loans? Wish that I could be one of the people making use of the 529 Plan, sadly day-to-day expenses require almost every dime of every paycheck…
UGH!!! It seems to me that even the most basic of post-HS education is enough to bankrupt families. Should it really be that way? Land of opportunity, bah! If and only if a person can afford it, might they realize the ‘American Dream’.
We want to get away from the ‘borrowing mentality’ but how will that ever come to pass when goods and services skyrocket while employers skimp on raises and take more of your paycheck as they lessen their contributions to healthcare. Again, we as Americans, find ourselves on the slippery slope and good education becomes a potential sacrifice, for some. Isn’t this the VERY thing public education is supposed to deter, state colleges and universities were founded to provide an affordable post-HS option over the exclusive, expensive and established institutions.
Things that make me go hmmmm!!!
PS – Are the tuition rates even that more favorable for in state education? Been a LONG while since I’ve looked at that… Seems to me, with our state institutions being some of the most expensive in the US it’s a wonder that some of these enrollments are spiking.
Much to consider and relearn in the upcoming years.