September 21, 2017

SVSU sees enrollment dip, but bright spots in student retention and graduate programs

Saginaw Valley State University saw its total enrollment decline for the 2017 fall semester, but the numbers also show encouraging trends in improved student retention and growth in the number of new graduate students.

“We are pleased to see our retention rate continue to improve; it is now at its highest level in at least 20 years,” said Deborah Huntley, SVSU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our faculty and staff are committed to helping all students succeed, and those collaborative efforts are proving to be effective.”

SVSU’s retention rate has risen for four consecutive years to 74.4 percent, up from 70 percent in 2014.                                                                  

Overall enrollment at SVSU dropped to 8,662 students taking classes for the 2017 fall semester, compared to 9,165 last year.

The number of new students seeking advanced degrees increased from 114 new graduate students last fall to 152 this term.

“We introduced new master’s degrees in social work, and computer science and information systems, and those offerings have been well-received,” Huntley said.

The total number of credit hours taken by graduate students increased by nearly 3 percent over a year ago.

SVSU also maintained its healthy enrollment of international students, as 630 international students, representing a record number of 54 different countries, are enrolled this year. 

Fall classes at SVSU began Monday, Aug. 28.