Undergraduate enrollment increases by 24 percent

The number of new undergraduate students has increaesd by 24 percent from last year's total enrollment of approximately 12,826 students.

Robina Schepp, assistant vice president of marketing and communications, accredits the increase to the new efforts put forth by the enrollment staff and the University.

According to Schepp, application numbers for 2007-2008 increased by one percent from last year. The budget goal for this year's incoming students approximately called for 1,896 new undergraduate students the University would accept. Prospective students included freshmen and transfers.

An increase in applications gave way to a 13 percent increase in admitted students with approximately 1,963 new students entering the University this year. By comparison, 1,598 entered last year. Projected goals for full and part-time graduate students were met this year as well.

"One of the things we can say is the enrollment downturn from last year reversed. The key factors are the support and work of the entire University, the stabilization of tuition and the efficiency of the application process," Schepp said.

This year, the University held several conversion events for prospective students, including two open houses and student-lead tours.

"The Pace PALS program has provided tour guides who know the school best and really provide a good experience to our prospective students," junior and tour coordinator Gabrielle Goetz said.

These programs are designed to match the personalities of the students in order to provide their ideal college experience.

Programs last year included over 500 high school visits and a new marketing campaign highlighting the University's extensive opportunities.

"It feels great to know that Pace is trying its best in reaching out to prospective students," freshman Marrisa Gianotta said. "When I was researching colleges, Pace stood out in getting my attention. I felt they really wanted me and could provide the experience I was looking for."

The attractiveness of the University's co-op and career services program is also viewed highly. The University offers the largest co-op program in New York City, which ranks ninth in the nation, surpassing New York University and Fordham.

According to program coordinators, 50 percent of students enrolled in co-op are later employed by their internship companies. The program is connected with over 500 companies, including many of New York's Fortune 500s, MTV and NBC. It is designed to directly relate to a student's field of study.

Freshman theater major Meghan Blakeman said, "The vast opportunities at Pace are initially what drew me to this school. Its ideal location in Manhattan combined with stellar academics made Pace the best choice for me. As a theater major I love the city and my hopes of hitting Broadway are closer and more attainable because of the programs here."

Following the difficulties of last year's enrollment deficit, the University's marketing strategy is paying off. According to Schepp, the University has doubled the amount of student inquiries to 40,000 this year alone.

Advertising and marketing major Helen Suh said, "Pace University must really be stepping up its recruitment agenda; it's very impressive."

While enrollment figures have demonstrated the positive turnaround of the University, enrollment issues remain. The smaller cohort of the class of 2010 has kept the University's overall enrollment stagnant. However, the University's commitment and dedication to prospective students is clear."When you think about investment, a student is not only spending money at the school but four years of their lives," Schepp said. "We have to provide them with the best chances to success. After all, this is what truly draws a person to college."