SRU fall enrollment surpasses 8,800, led by record number of graduate students
Slippery Rock University released its fall 2020 15-day enrollment numbers, showing 8,876 students enrolled at the campus. The total includes a record number of graduate students.
Sept. 8, 2020
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Despite challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Slippery Rock University's enrollment continues to thrive. For the fall 2020 semester, there are 8,876 students enrolled at SRU, according to the official count taken today, the 15th day of classes, which is used for national and state reporting purposes.
The total marks a 70-student (0.8%) increase compared to last fall's 15-day count of 8,806. The increase is attributed to a 9% growth of the graduate student population, as a record 1,461 graduate students are now enrolled at the University. The previous record was 1,338 set last year.
BEHRE
SRU has more than 40 graduate programs, including three new program offerings this year: a Master of Social Work, a Master of Science in Athletic Training and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration.
"Given all the uncertainty and challenges that our students face in starting or returning to college in this new environment, we certainly appreciate that they recognize the value of an SRU education," said William Behre, SRU President. "I would like to thank our faculty and staff who continue to provide excellent service and caring for our students while adapting on the fly to the environment presented by the pandemic. At the same time, I'm also grateful to our students and their families for their commitment to being part of the SRU community and realizing that no matter the circumstance, our University is able to provide Rock Solid learning experiences."
Although the 7,415 undergraduates represent a slight decrease (53 students) compared to 2019, the enrollment change remains stable, without any year-to-year decreases of more than 100 undergraduate students in the last six fall semesters.
YALE
"The fact that our enrollment is nearly the same in a year with such incredible challenges is a testament to the strength of the SRU community," said Amanda Yale, chief enrollment officer. "Our students have shown a dedication to their education and our faculty and staff are dedicated to student success. There will continue to be challenges and unknowns ahead but the people at SRU are ready to embrace the future together."
Out-of-state students represent 9.6% (851) of all SRU students, including a 31% increase of out-of-state students within the freshman class (140) compared to last year's first-year cohort.
Nearly 60% of all SRU students are women and there are increases this year in the diversity of students by ethnic groups, as the total number of students who identified as Black, Hispanic, two or more races and nonresident aliens increased by 79 students compared to last year.
Also, the 15-day report reflects nearly 120,349 credit hours taken by SRU students this fall, compared to 120,477 last year.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu