Clarkson awaits biggest class ever

POTSDAM — Clarkson University will be bursting at the seams this fall.

The college is set to welcome the largest incoming class of its 115-year existence, with 831 regular first-year students and 34 Clarkson School early college students enrolled for the fall semester. The total 865 anticipated freshmen mark a nearly 31 percent increase in enrollment from last year, when only 661 freshmen matriculated.

"I do think families are very focused on life after college, and when 95 percent of our students are getting jobs in tough economies, that really resonated," Clarkson Dean of Admissions Brian T. Grant said, citing the college's popular academic programs as the main reason behind the spike in enrollment. "As the economy starts to pick up a little bit, I think they see a greater light at the end of the tunnel."

Although Clarkson did not admit a substantially larger percentage of applicants than in previous years, prospective students demonstrated record interest in the school: Not only did more students accept offers of admission, but there also was a 20 percent increase in campus visits and a 25 percent increase in on-campus interviews this year. Clarkson also saw record interest in specific academic programs, with a 160 percent growth in environmental engineering majors and a 100 percent growth in pre-physical therapy majors since last year.

In addition to the college's popular academic offerings, a revamped school website and an increased social media presence helped the college attract new students. According to Mr. Grant, improvements to the campus's physical facility and the opening of a new student center in September 2010 also helped clinch the deal for many prospective students.

"I think when they came to campus, they felt an energy and an excitement, from the students to the faculty to the staff," he said. "It all came together this year."

Although Mr. Grant was unsure whether new professors would be hired to teach this fall, he said the ongoing expansion of the Moore House residence hall as well as proposals for new themed housing will ensure that the large class is not left out in the cold. The college's target enrollment is set at 725 first-year students and an additional 100 Clarkson School students; its previous record enrollment came in 1984, with 845 matriculated first-year students.

"In terms of housing and teaching the students, we're not going to diminish the education we promised these students," Mr. Grant said. "Even with a larger class, they will get the same education and experience of a more typical year."