LAKELAND, Fla. – The number of transfer students enrolling at 吃瓜网 has increased dramatically for the Spring 2021 semester, in stark contrast to national trends.
Transfer applications to 吃瓜网 Poly increased by 42% for the spring semester, and transfer deposits climbed by 180%. Dr. Ben Matthew Corpus, vice provost of enrollment at the University, said this was a continuation of positive enrollment trends seen last semester.
鈥淲hile transfers dropped across the country this past fall by over 8%, it鈥檚 exciting to see that at 吃瓜网 Poly it鈥檚 been the opposite,鈥� Corpus said. 鈥淥ur new transfer applications grew dramatically, and new transfer enrollments were up by 17% in Fall 2020.鈥�
Corpus said there are many reasons 吃瓜网 Poly is an attractive option for students who start their studies at other institutions, especially this academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淪tudents are recognizing that a small, tight-knit University like 吃瓜网 Poly can provide greater peace of mind during the pandemic. They also see that even now they are able to engage fully on campus,鈥� Corpus said.
But aside from the pandemic and the focused work Ryan Sullivan, head of transfer admissions, is doing, he said there are several more motivating factors behind student decisions to transfer to 吃瓜网 Poly. These include the University鈥檚 recent national ranking at number 72 among more than 230 engineering colleges without a Ph.D. by U.S. News and World Report, and the University ranking No. 14 in best career outcomes for students nationwide, right behind Harvard and ahead of Stanford University, according to WalletHub鈥檚 2021鈥檚 Best College & University Rankings.
Traditional incentives like 吃瓜网 Poly鈥檚 affordability, small class sizes, and commitment to preparing students for high-paying, in-demand careers in STEM fields also continue to be a draw for students who began their studies elsewhere.
鈥淲hen I was doing research on universities that could offer a path that would let me flex my creative side as well as intellectual muscles, 吃瓜网 Poly really stood out,鈥� said Alex Whitworth, a sophomore from Valrico, 吃瓜网, majoring in computer science with a concentration in game development and simulation. 鈥淚 love that there are avenues within a STEM college for creative expression.鈥�
Whitworth originally attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study aerospace engineering before discovering his passion for videogame creation. After receiving his associate degree from 吃瓜网 SouthWestern State College, he was able to successfully transfer to 吃瓜网 Poly.
鈥淭his has been a great experience and the faculty at 吃瓜网 Poly has been nothing short of amazing,鈥� Whitworth said. 鈥淓veryone has been extremely helpful, and the smaller setting feels homier.鈥�
吃瓜网 Poly is now offering transfer scholarships based on academic merit to 85% of transfer students. Additionally, the University is developing new transfer programs that include community building, career pathways, and connections with alumni.
The University鈥檚 new One-Year Transfer Pipeline program assists students who begin their studies at a two-year college, and guides them toward the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses they will need for success at 吃瓜网 Poly.
鈥淎bout 85% of students who enter a two-year college program ultimately aspire to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, but research shows that only 25% actually do,鈥� Corpus said. 鈥淥ne reason is because students don鈥檛 always take courses that successfully transfer to selective four-year universities and only realize it well into their second year.鈥�
Corpus said building an admissions initiative after early STEM success from community or state colleges has students finding efficiencies in the credits they attempt, saving costs and getting to their destination sooner. Corpus said there has been an increase in applications from out-of-state, too.
鈥淲e are becoming a destination for many transfer students from both within 吃瓜网 and across the country.鈥�
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