WVU Parkersburg is state's fifth largest institution

WVU Parkersburg is fifth largest state institution of higher education, according to recent WV publication.

CONTACT: Joseph Badgley, executive dean of academic affairs, 304-424-8242.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is the fifth largest public institution of higher education in the state, according to a new publication.

The 2006 Higher Education Report Card lists WVU Parkersburg as the fifth largest college with 3,884 students.

West Virginia University is first with 27,115 students followed by Marshall University, 13,810; Fairmont State University, 4,602; Shepherd University, 4,091, and WVU Parkersburg.

A regional campus of WVU, the Parkersburg campus is the largest community/technical college in the state. It has experienced sustained enrollment growth in recent years. Enrollment has increased by at least two percent in five of the past six years.

College officials expect to exceed 4,000 students next fall.

"The combination of open access admission, affordable tuition, programs of quality specific to our region, and the availability of on-line courses has had a major impact in attracting students," noted Joseph Badgley, executive dean of academic affairs.

As the state's only community college offering baccalaureate programs, WVU Parkersburg was recently cited as having the second lowest tuition in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

WVU Parkersburg also has unique student characteristics. Nationally, 40% of community college students are enrolled full-time. At WVU Parkersburg, 57% of its students are registered as full-time students. The average age for students enrolled in a community college is 29 years, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. WVU Parkersburg's average age is 26 due to its large percentage of traditional-aged students. Approximately 62% of its students are female while the national average for female community colleges students is 59%.

The college serves the seven counties of Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood and operates a center in Ripley.

The Higher Education Report Card is a joint publication of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia.

cd2/03/07

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)

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