Double digit enrollment growth at OSU branch campus helps state meet goals

Oct. 8, 2013

enrollmentOregon State University - Cascades launched the 2013-2014 academic year with an anticipated enrollment of 930 juniors, seniors and graduate students pursuing degrees, marking a 16 percent enrollment increase over last fall. Upper level and graduate students represent students officially counted by the Oregon University System. Enrollment numbers are not considered final or released by OUS until the fourth week of the 10-week term.

In total, just over 1,100 students, including 181 students taking lower-level courses at Central Oregon Community College in preparation for transferring to OSU-Cascades, are enrolled at OSU-Cascades. This reflects an overall enrollment increase of 10 percent. The growth will help OSU meet state educational attainment goals where 40 percent of Oregonians will have a bachelor's degree by 2025.

Twenty-four percent of the student body is new to OSU-Cascades this fall. OSU-Cascades continues to draw students primarily from Central Oregon and Oregon, although students also represent California and 15 other states. Out-of-state students are expected to increase beginning in fall 2015 when the campus expands to a four-year university.

The increase spread across several majors, with the human development and family sciences program the largest with 146 students. The business program also represents more than 100 students. The fastest growing programs are the exercise and sport science, and social science programs, which respectively grew 61 percent and almost eight-fold over fall 2012.

Among other highlights:

  • Students are enrolled in degree programs new to the campus this year, including a computer science degree with an option in Web and mobile Web software development, a low-residency MFA in creative writing, and an accounting degree.
  • There are 150 students enrolled in graduate programs this fall.
  • Freshman currently taking lower-level courses at COCC as they prepare to transition to OSU-Cascades are enrolled in a learning community course to build relationships with fellow students and encourage college success.
  • More than 71 students, nine percent more than the previous year, are taking OSU online courses.

The percentage of female students increased slightly to 61 percent of the student body. Women comprised about 70 percent of the student population through 2010. The youngest enrolled student is 17; the oldest is 67.

To learn more about OSU-Cascades, view the campus fact sheet or contact the admissions office at 541-322-3100.