The University census, released last week, shows a more than 10 percent increase in off-campus enrollments this fall.
Administrators attributed the enrollment swell of nearly 500 students to the marketing efforts of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Professional Studies.
Off-campus enrollment increased by 13.2 percent and the enrollment on the Virginia campus increased by 9.4 percent this fall. Enrollment on the Foggy Bottom campus decreased by 166 students.
GW’s Campus Plan limits the number of students that can live on the Foggy Bottom campus, making it impossible for GW to enroll more students on its main campus. As GW looks for increased revenue from tuition, administrators are forced to look beyond the District’s borders.
“Off-campus enrollment programs add revenue to the University and its programs,” said Donald Lehman, executive vice president for Academic Affairs.
Craig Linebaugh, chief academic operating officer for the Virginia Campus, said the increase in enrollment can be attributed to the campus’ growing reputation, particularly in the field of engineering. He marked the importance of expanding the Virginia campus as it extends GW’s overall presence.
Marketing specialists in the College of Professional Studies are helping promote the Virginia campus, Linebaugh said.
“The single biggest different (in recruitment tactics) is CPS; they have been responsible for off-campus site marketing,” he said.
While the expansion engineering programs has drawn more people to the Virginia campus, expansion of CPS has been the main contributor to the increase in total off-campus enrollment, administrators said.
The College of Professional Studies has been growing rapidly since it opened in 2004. This fall enrollment is up again by 5 percent from last fall.
The school is geared toward adults who are already in the work force, and many of their classes are online.
Roger Whitaker, dean of the College of Professional Studies, said, “Professional adults who want degrees now have the opportunity to get it.”
