ANGOLA — Trine University is preparing to welcome another record number of new students when classes begin Aug. 24.
“For the third consecutive year, we’re projecting phenomenal enrollment growth,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Trine president. “We’re anticipating 27 percent enrollment growth from last year, which shows that students and parents embrace Trine’s affordability and the fact that 99.7 percent of Trine grads are employed within six months of graduating.”
Trine awards more than $24 million annually in institutional scholarships and need-based aid and 98 percent of students receive assistance.
In two years, Trine increased enrollment by 91 percent. In 2013-14, Trine had 2,417 students. That population swelled to 3,642 students in 2014-15 and this year enrollment increased again with 4,627 students anticipated.
The majority of students are enrolled at Trine’s main campus with additional students taking classes at Trine’s Peoria, Arizona, campus established in spring 2013, and at Trine’s eight education centers in Indiana and Michigan.
New undergraduate students, including first-time freshmen, transfer students and international students, are a primary part of the growth with 625 new undergraduate students anticipated. Returning students and graduate students round out the enrollment picture. Trine’s new Master of Science in Engineering Management and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs also factored into the growth with 173 new graduate students enrolled.
International students have contributed to the enrollment increase. Trine expects more than 300 international students representing 20 countries including Saudi Arabia, China, India and Nigeria. Last year, 225 international students studied at Trine.
“It’s exciting to enroll more students while maintaining high academic standards,” said Stuart Jones, vice president for enrollment management. “Our incoming freshmen match the highest academic profile on record for ACT and SAT scores and grade point average.”
To accommodate the growing number of students, Trine constructed the Larry and Judy Reiners Residence Hall. Students will occupy the 170-bed hall for the first time this fall. The new $7.1 million apartment-style facility overlooking the Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium features rooms for two with a private bath, air conditioning and a common living space and kitchen.
Also new for the 2015-16 academic year is the completely refurbished Ford Hall, home of the Ketner School of Business.
Trine invested more than $6 million to transform the former library into a contemporary space that reflects a corporate environment. Features include natural light, glass interior walls, technology-enhanced classrooms and gathering spaces with comfortable furniture.
The tri-level building houses the Rhoads Center for Entrepreneurship; a trading center with up-to-the-minute information about stocks and other business news; two laboratories dedicated to the golf management program; 15 classrooms; a digitally enhanced lecture hall and faculty offices. Special features include Bean Counters coffee shop and a water wall that spans two levels near an open circular staircase.
“Ford Hall exceeds our expectations and promises to meet the needs of our business students,” Brooks said. “We’re eager to see our students use and enjoy this renovated space.”