Shippensburg University is pleased to report an increase in enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year. With an overall increase in headcount, the university also reported a 20 percent increase in new graduate students, a two percent increase in first-time in college students and a record 35 percent increase in the university’s dual enrollment program, Ship Start.
The university is also reporting a 7.5 percent increase in second-year student retention, the second highest retention rate for this cohort in the last decade. Third-year student retention increased by 2.5 percent.
“It’s clear that our efforts to stabilize enrollment at Shippensburg University are working. By meeting the needs of students at the start of the recruitment process all the way through their academic career, we’ve championed a stable but adaptive approach that is making a positive difference in the student experience,” said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, president of Shippensburg University.
The university is seeing additional positive trends that speak to enrollment growth. Campus housing is at 99 percent capacity with an increase in first-time college students and returning students residing on campus. Research shows that students living on campus report a greater sense of belonging and are more likely to persist in their academic journey.
“The needs of Pennsylvania’s students are evolving, and Ship is also actively evolving as we continue to meet the needs of our Ship students and Pennsylvania’s workforce demands. As a public regional flagship for higher education, Shippensburg University continues its important mission as a strong economic engine for student social mobility and advancing the needs of employers and our corporate partners,” added Patterson.
