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Northland College sees the number of incoming students exceed pre-recession levels

October 5, 2012

Northland College is witnessing an enrollment rebound this fall as it welcomes the largest number of first-time incoming students to campus since 2007. Northland's fall 2012 enrollment of first-time freshmen and transfer students grew to 222, a roughly 15 percent increase from the 193 new students attending one year ago. Five years ago, Northland's enrollment comprised 200 first-time freshmen and transfer students before the nation descended into the greatest recession since the Great Depression.

"The rise in the number of students speaks to the outreach Northland has conducted to connect with students in a meaningful way," says Northland College President Michael A. Miller. "While the nation faces the possibility of a double-dip recession, the college is emerging from the last four years as a stronger institution by engaging students and meeting their needs. As a result, Northland is seeing better retention rates, which is further evidence that once students come here they like what they see."

U.S. News and World Report recently reported Northland's average freshmen retention rate of 71 percent in an article naming Northland to its top tier of the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. President Michael A. Miller also credits the college's Access Guarantee program, which offers new freshmen students from low and middle income families the opportunity to attend a private college at the same or lower cost than at the state's largest public university. Rick Smith, Vice President of Institutional Marketing and Enrollment Management at Northland, credits the hard work of admissions staff making inroads with students across the Midwest and nation.

"But, it's the work of more than just one department on campus helping to strengthen the Northland community," says Smith. "The college is full of dedicated students, staff and faculty committed to helping newcomers discover who they are and where they want to be."

There are 600 students attending Northland this fall.