Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — Enrollment in workforce programs at Nicholls State University increased though total enrollment dipped for the fall semester.
Overall enrollment dipped 4 percent, lowering the university's total to 6,298. Officials expected the decline based on the large spring-summer graduating class, an increase in tuition and implementation of higher admission standards.
The Daily Comet reported (http://bit.ly/1DjcGWf) the department of petroleum engineering technology and safety management grew by 153 students, bringing total enrollment to 459. That's up about 50 percent from enrollment for the fall 2013 semester.
"Our enrollment increases in petroleum, safety, maritime and online programs showcase the university's ongoing efforts to collaborate with industry and produce well-qualified graduates ready to meet regional workforce needs," said University President Bruce Murphy. "Continuing to grow these high-demand programs and others, such as culinary arts, will help Nicholls attract more students and increase overall enrollment in years to come."
Among highlights of fall enrollment:
— The management, marketing and business administration department increased by 102 students to a total of 717.
— Officials attribute the growth to the creation of an online bachelor's degree in business administration and maritime management concentration, which prepares students for management careers in the oil and gas industry.
— The maritime management program added 53 students this fall, for a total of 82. The online bachelor's degree program in business administration added 57 students to reach a total enrollment of 70. Overall enrollment in Nicholls Online also nearly doubled, increasing from 174 students last fall to 324 this fall.
— First-time freshmen enrollment fell by 33 — from 1,243 last year to 1,210 this fall.
— Officials said the average freshman ACT score is 21.82, highest for any freshman class in Nicholls history.
___
Information from: Daily Comet, http://www.dailycomet.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
