It is no secret that NGCSU’S popularity is on the rise. While enrollment at most colleges around Georgia is declining, students from around the state are flocking to take advantage of the reasonable tuition rate and high academic standards at NGCSU.

Enrollment  has grown steadily since 1994, with one of the biggest increases happening this fall.

“NGCSU is known for being a small school and I know it is compared to other schools, but it is definitely bigger than I thought.  I was definitely surprised at how many people there actually are,” said Kaitlin Baker, a freshman pre-nursing major.

For fall 2012, 6,460 undergraduate and graduate students  registered for classes, although the final figures will not be available until October, according to NGCSU spokeswoman Kate Maine.

This is 5 percent increase from fall 2011. New military programs and the addition of  the University Center in Cumming are also contributing to the growth.

For students that have been attending NGCSU for a couple of years  it is easy to see the growth.

“The first two years I was here the school was more close-knit, but as I got closer to graduation everything just seemed more crowded,” said  Matthew Johnson, a recent NGCSU graduate.

Not only has NGCSU experienced growth during  the regular school year, more students are also attending school during the summer.  Enrollment  jumped 28 percent this summer due to the addition of some new military programs.

While this growth might have some negative effects, there is a plus to growth. With more students come more tuition dollars and the need for more faculty and staff.  Due to this demand, NGCSU  has been able to increase  its full-time staff members and add many part-time positions.

“Word is getting around about our great staff and the many academic programs we offer students is why NGCSU is no longer the state’s best kept secret,” said Dr. Patricia Donat, vice president of academic affairs.

Print Friendly Version

Comments

comments