WOU Magazine Spring 2011: News
WOU’s enrollment growth continues
Enrollment at Western Oregon University has continued to soar. WOU reached another enrollment record with 6,233 students enrolled fall 2010, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year and 17 percent over the past three years. Growth has grown in both graduate and undergraduate student populations—and the student body is continually increasing in diversity.
“Over 900 graduate students enrolled last fall, an increase of 17 percent compared with fall 2009. With back-to-back years of large growth, graduate enrollment is 37 percent higher than fall 2008. Our students understand that graduate work is a wise investment, and they know their graduate degree will give them a competitive edge in a tight job market,” said Dr. Linda Stonecipher, director of Graduate Programs.
The Western Tuition Promise has been a driving factor in increased undergraduate enrollment, as it guarantees a set tuition rate for incoming undergraduates during their four years. With the bad economy this guarantee provides students and their families meaningful security in planning for college expenses. WOU continues to be the only university on the West Coast to offer this level of financial security and savings to its undergraduate students
.“Western Oregon University has created a strong presence in Oregon and the region with its strong focus on student learning and an absolute commitment on affordability. Our continued growth is a reflection of the confidence that students and their families have in the overall high quality experience that students receive in our small classes, beautiful campus and, incredible facilities,” said Associate Provost David McDonald.