Transfer student applications to 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»have climbed significantly in the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters.
LAKELAND, Fla. - The number of transfer students enrolling at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polytechnic University has increased dramatically for the Spring 2021 semester, in stark contrast to .
Transfer applications to 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» 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.
βWhile transfers dropped across the country this past fall by over 8%, itβs exciting to see that at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly itβs been the opposite,β Corpus said. βOur new transfer applications grew dramatically, and new transfer enrollments were up by 17% in Fall 2020.β
Corpus said there are many reasons 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly is an attractive option for students who start their studies at other institutions, especially this academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
βStudents are recognizing that a small, tight-knit University like 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly can provide greater peace of mind during the pandemic. They also see that even now they are able to engage fully on campus,β 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 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly. These include the Universityβs 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 for students nationwide, right behind Harvard and ahead of Stanford University, according to WalletHubβs 2021βs Best College & University Rankings.
Traditional incentives like 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polyβs 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.
βWhen I was doing research on universities that could offer a path that would let me flex my creative side as well as intellectual muscles, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly really stood out,β said Alex Whitworth, a sophomore from Valrico, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³», majoring in computer science with a concentration in game development and simulation. βI love that there are avenues within a STEM college for creative expression.β
Whitworth originally attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study aerospace engineering before discovering his passion for videogame creation. After receiving his associate degree from 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» SouthWestern State College, he was able to successfully transfer to 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly.
βThis has been a great experience and the faculty at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly has been nothing short of amazing,β Whitworth said. βEveryone has been extremely helpful, and the smaller setting feels homier.β
91ΒιΆΉΣ³» 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 Universityβs 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 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly.
βAbout 85% of students who enter a two-year college program ultimately aspire to earn a bachelorβs degree, but research shows that only 25% actually do,β Corpus said. βOne reason is because students donβt always take courses that successfully transfer to selective four-year universities and only realize it well into their second year.β
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.
βWe are becoming a destination for many transfer students from both within 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» and across the country.β
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Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557