Enrollment success at Polytechnic Campus continues in 2019
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019
For the second year in a row, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus is reporting an increase in freshmen enrollment. | Download this photo.
SALINA — The Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus is building on its enrollment progress from the previous year with another growing freshman class as well as a rise in transfer students.
Full-time equivalency and headcount at Kansas State Polytechnic are up from 2018. Total student enrollment is 642 — an increase of 71 students from last year, or 12%. Full-time equivalency, or FTE, is up nearly 9% to 516. The Kansas Board of Regents calculates full-time equivalency by dividing the total number of undergraduate credit hours taken in a semester by 15.
This is the second year in a row the freshman class has grown. The class of 144 students is up 23% from 2018. The campus also experienced a jump in new Wildcats in the transfer category, with transfer students at 64, up 42%.
The professional pilot program has seen a 20% increase in new students from last year, with the flight school portion of the degree at full capacity for the second year in a row. The aviation maintenance management program grew by 150% as well.
And, for the first time in five years, on-campus residency is at capacity, another sign of growth at Kansas State Polytechnic.
"The enrollment transformation we are experiencing is very encouraging with total applications to study at Kansas State Polytechnic rising 15% in 2019," said Alysia Starkey, interim CEO and dean of Kansas State Polytechnic. "A strong interest in the campus came from beyond the Kansas border, with out-of-state applications growing by 33%. The changes taking place, however, are about more than just numbers — the hands-on, personalized environment we offer is resonating with students and their families."
Kansas State Polytechnic has simplified its admissions process, from inquiry to admittance. Admissions representatives collaborate with faculty, advisors, financial aid, student life and career services to provide a one-face experience for the student. The campus has also broadened its reach to all high school students, helping initiate, preparing and navigating them through the enrollment steps earlier.
"When we revised our enhanced recruiting strategy two years ago, we centered on three areas: rebuild, grow and transform," said Christopher Smith, executive director of enrollment management, marketing and financial aid at Kansas State Polytechnic. "We wanted the admissions experience to mirror our educational experience. Whether in the classroom or while recruiting, the student is the focus. And when you understand who they are and what they need, you can truly help them reach their goals."
Smith said Kansas State Polytechnic also has utilized the latest technology to identify the students who would be successful in Polytechnic's in-demand career degree programs.
To learn more about enrolling at the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, including taking a campus tour and exploring degree options, contact the Office of Admissions at 785-826-2640 or polytechnic@k-state.edu.
