By Lacey Desserault

Thanks to a strong new student class, Washington State University Tri-Cities’ overall enrollment increased by 0.8% and undergraduate enrollment increased by 2%, compared to last fall. A 25.7% increase in new first-year students, a 6.6% increase for new transfer students and a 7.1% increase in new masters and doctoral students contributed to the rise in enrollment.

Out of the six Washington State University (WSU) campuses, WSU Tri-Cities has the highest increase in first-year and transfer student enrollment.

Jamie Owens, campus director of admissions, was strategically hired to focus on enrollment and her team’s efforts to directly connect with local high school and transfer students have proven to be successful.

“We are very happy to welcome all of the new, incoming first-year and transfer students this year,” said Owens. “The admissions team worked very hard to meet and recruit them. Through increased use of technology, we were better able to keep in contact with interested students and help them through the admission process. We also held more on-campus events this past year that gave students and their families an opportunity to visit our campus and receive one-on-one help applying for both admission and financial aid in partnership with the financial aid office. Helping students receive a WSU education right here in our community is our number one goal.”

Affordability, the small school setting, low student-to-instructor ratio and the ability to leverage WSU partnerships locally, nationally and internationally make WSU Tri-Cities an attractive option for local students. Many students can pair their coursework with internships and other real-world experiences, giving them ample opportunities to graduate career ready.

Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities, said, “The increases in new first-year and transfer students this fall is exciting – you can feel a new energy on campus. We are pleased to be able to serve our community by offering students career connected pathways that help them affordably reach their future goals at WSU Tri-Cities. I am confident in our momentum moving forward especially as we intentionally develop programs to meet students’ needs.”

Despite significant increases in first-year and transfer student enrollment, the campus saw a dip in the retention of students.

Kate McAteer, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, said, “As we continue our efforts to reach new students, it is important to us that we also focus on retention. Our Learner Success Lab, which provides inclusive student support through our engaged faculty and staff, will bolster our retention goals.”

The university continues to be a representation of the community it serves. WSU Tri-Cities has the most diverse campus within the WSU system, with 49.7% students of color and 50.7% being first generation students. Of new first-year students, 61.8% are students of color and 64.9% are first generation.

Read more about enrollment in the WSU system.