Central State enjoys ‘surge’ of incoming students

Central State University campus in Wilbeforce. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Central State University campus in Wilbeforce. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Central State University is enjoying what it says it a “surge” in new student enrollment.

The Greene County university’s 2018-22 class has more than 900 new and transfer students. The 2018 incoming class members are primarily from Ohio with high numbers coming from surrounding regions. The university said it has also tripled its international enrollment since 2014.

“The continuing increases in new student enrollment and returning upperclassmen not only indicate an appreciation for the university’s efforts to reduce costs, but also the quality of our academic programs and the overall collegiate experience,” B. Sherrance Russell, Central State’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said in a release.

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In its announcement, Central State said it has lowered its cost for out-of-state students by 70 percent in 2015 and worked to improve affordability for all students.

“According to U.S. News & World Report, Central State University is the 3rd most affordable four-year public institution in the country,” the university said in its release. “Among Ohio’s 14 public universities, Central State is ranked as the most affordable.”

The surge in student enrollment has led to an increased demand for on-campus housing. Central State is expanding housing offerings and is building a-250 bed apartment-style residence hall that will be home to a state-of-the-art wellness center and a new exercise science program.

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“Our campus is growing and we are investing in residence options that support our students’ connection to the campus and amenities,” Curtis Pettis, CSU’s vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer Curtis Pettis.

The new residence hall will open in fall 2019.

“This is an exciting time for CSU,” Central State President Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said. “We are growing in many positive ways, including development of broader degree partnerships, international collaborations, and research with global-impact.”

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