Northwestern reports fall enrollment

September 11, 2017

After reaching a three-year high in enrollment in 2016, the number of students enrolled in fall semester classes this year at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is slightly smaller.    

In preliminary enrollment information presented to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Northwestern reported headcount enrollment of 2,095 students, a decrease of 5 percent over last year’s count of 2,200.

Officials at Northwestern cited a drop of nearly 100 international students, plus smaller enrollments at outreach sites as factors in this year’s smaller numbers.

“We knew there would be challenges in international enrollment as changes and uncertainties in international travel and student visa policies has affected many campuses in Oklahoma and around the nation,” said Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president. “If you remove the drop in this category, we would essentially match last year’s enrollment total.”

“Long-term, we have identified some new geographical areas where interest in Northwestern is high, and we will emphasize those in our recruitment strategy.”

Enrollment at the main campus in Alva is 1,343, a drop of more than 7 percent. The Woodward location saw enrollment stay steady at 279 students, while the Enid location had a drop of 19 students and total enrollment of 224 students.

Despite some policy changes, enrollment in concurrent classes stayed nearly the same as it was a year ago with 138 high school juniors and seniors enrolled in courses. At Northwestern’s outreach sites, including the University Center of Ponca City, enrollment fell more than 17 percent.

The number of Northwestern students enrolled in online courses continued to grow with 781 students choosing to enroll in at least one online course.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Steven Valencia, Associate Vice President
(580) 327-8478, sjvalencia@nwosu.edu