The college sees an increase in enrollment for local, minority, and non-traditional students
October 17, 2023 – Ephraim, UT – The Utah System of Higher Education released Fall 2023 enrollment numbers today. The reported decline at Snow College was anticipated and is the result of discontinuing relationships with two third-party contractors enrolling online students, many from outside of Utah. These strategic adjustments have prepared the institution for long-term success by realigning institutional resources with the mission of Snow College and the overarching goal of student success. The college reports an increase in local students, minority students, and non-traditional students – all populations that have been a focus of enrollment efforts.
“We are committed to offering a high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to all students, and especially to those in our service region,” said Cody Branch, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. He and other college officials are pleased to see an increase where there has been intentional emphasis and believe Snow College’s unique environment with small classes and caring professors allows students to have a personalized experience that will prepare them to enter the workplace, transfer to a four-year institution, or upskill for upward employment mobility. Vice President Branch said, “We believe that students who find Snow College will find themselves. Our alumni tell us their time at Snow provided the critical foundation to launch them into successful careers and lives. With over 80% of our students graduating or transferring, we know that our students are succeeding at levels far above the national average. Students who transfer from Snow to a university graduate at a 12% higher rate than students who start at the university.”
Helping students reach their goals was the impetus of the college’s aspiration statement, which was approved by the Board of Trustees earlier this year and highlights students’ ability to graduate debt-free, gain resume-worthy experiences, and develop a plan for the future. President Stacee Y. McIff is optimistic. She said, “There is no better place than Snow College to start, further, or finish your education; we are committed to our students, our community, and our stakeholders. We will continue to work strategically to drive healthy and sustainable growth that matches our mission and legacy. Our future is bright.”
Snow College will use Fall 2023 enrollment as a new baseline on which to build. Knowing that the enrollment cycle begins more than a year in advance, college leadership is focusing on smart growth by reallocating institutional resources and creating a new structure to support enrollment. The college is also in the process of developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic enrollment plan that outlines strategies for recruiting new students and enhancing the retention of current students, with a particular focus on the needs of rural and Hispanic/Latino populations. To better serve rural communities, Snow College has formed partnerships with local industries to align technical education training with the needs of the area. In addition to working with the major employers in the region, the college recently announced a new scholarship for incoming freshmen from the six-county region. Board of Trustee Chair Rick Robinson said, “Snow College has been an important part of our communities and state for 135 years, and I am confident in our leadership team. We will continue to adapt and respond to students’ needs for at least another 135 years.”
Snow College, founded in 1888 by Utah pioneers, is a two-year college with campuses located in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah, and a learning center in Nephi, Utah. Serving more than 5,000 students, the college is committed to helping students graduate debt-free, gain resume-worthy experience, and develop a plan for the future. The affordable price and personalized environment full of opportunities allow students who find Snow College to find themselves. Learn more about all Snow College has to offer online at snow.edu.
Marci Larsen
ude.wons@nesral.icram
(435) 283-7013
(435) 851-1230
