No. 1 ranked SUNY Regional College Alfred State grows enrollment by 20 percent in an extremely competitive higher education market

Alfred State College (ASC) boasts a remarkably strong enrollment this fall with the largest incoming class in the last eight years. This success is made more impressive since COVID led to enrollment declines at many schools nationwide and even forced some institutions to cease operations. 

After 15 days of instruction, the official higher education census date recorded 1,469 new and transfer ASC students compared to 1,228 for 2022, for a game-changing 20-percent increase in one year. Out-of-state and international enrollment leaped forward with a 48 percent increase over last year. In another measure of success, for three consecutive cohorts, Alfred State’s retention rate is also climbing. Total enrollment at Alfred State is now 3,524.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with all of our newest Pioneers as we continue to attract students from a wider geographic area and a more diverse student population,” said Alfred State President Dr. Steve Mauro. “The efforts of our faculty, admissions, financial aid, marketing, and student engagement teams, among others, led to this magnificent achievement. My belief in our mission, quality of programs, and people has fueled the setting of high goals and our team clearly is surpassing even my high expectations for what I knew they could achieve. The quantity and quality of our new Pioneers and the faculty who dedicate themselves to their education are impressive.” 

Alfred State’s emphasis on career-ready graduates who can “Hit the ground running” is a crucial factor in the college’s success. With hands-on learning in 200 plus labs and applied learning in every major, prospective students and parents know that choosing ASC is an investment in the future as graduates launch good-paying careers. Families seeking the right college at the right price appreciate the affordability of Alfred State and how 98 percent of ASC graduates are employed or continuing their education which shows how Pioneers are successful. 

The State University of New York (SUNY) had a free application ad campaign last fall that successfully increased application numbers nearly 30 percent systemwide for the fall cohort. The Alfred State team offered free applications for a longer period and incorporated affordability messaging into the college’s advertising to fuel interest among price conscious prospective students. These extra efforts by Alfred State broke records. ASC received more than 9,300 applications for this fall’s cohort up from approximately 6,000 in the previous year for an extraordinary 55-percent increase.

Alfred State’s admissions and marketing targeted the right students as evidenced by the fact that both applications and acceptances were up more than 50 percent with no lowering of admissions standards.

“It takes strategic planning and a massive effort to attract, process, engage, support, and enroll so many more students in only a one-year period,” said ASC Vice President of Enrollment Kishan Zuber. “I’m so impressed by the Alfred State staff and faculty for helping our new Pioneers ‘find their right fit.’  We have prepared to build on this momentum and are already attracting more new students for Fall 2024.”

Alfred State recently was awarded recognition once again as the number one SUNY Regional College by US News and World Report. According to Zuber, the college offers many benefits for prospective students as Alfred State offers a more relevant and practical education. 

1. A great variety of majors that help you launch careers with employers ready to hire.

2. An affordable price tag for a highly ranked, respected, and popular college.

3. An enrollment team with the right strategy for engaging and attracting new Pioneers.