Delaware Valley University reports largest enrollment in its history
Credit: Delaware Valley University. Students walking on campus at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The University had the highest total enrollment this fall that it has ever had in its 120-year history.
Delaware Valley University’s enrollment for fall 2016 is the highest it has ever been in the history of the institution. This fall, there are 2,376 total undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University, a record-breaking number for the 120-year-old institution. Total fall enrollment is 5 percent higher than it was last year and 17 percent higher than it was in 2014.
Undergraduate enrollment grew by more than 2 percent in the past year and by approximately 9 percent in the past three years. While new freshman enrollment has remained steady, DelVal continues to benefit from its 2013 commitment to being the “most transfer-friendly university in the Philadelphia area.”
“Since we made that announcement in 2013 we’ve seen our transfer enrollment increase 64 percent,” said Art Goon, vice president for enrollment management. “The increase in transfer students has improved the academic quality and retention of the student body.”
The larger number of undergraduate students has also positively impacted student life as demand for housing remains strong at DelVal.
“More students living on campus is a win-win for everyone,” said Dr. April Vari, vice president for student affairs. “Our residence life experience becomes more vibrant as more students become engaged, which improves our student activities and programs.”
The most significant growth has been in DelVal’s graduate programs. In the past three years, graduate student enrollment has increased 89 percent, from 216 students in 2013 to 409 students this fall. In the past year alone, graduate enrollment has gone up by 19 percent.
“This growth is a testimony to DelVal’s commitment to offering current, relevant graduate programs that meet regional demands,” said Dr. Bashar Hanna, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty.
“One of the reasons why we became a university was because we saw the opportunity to launch new graduate programs,” said Dr. James Moryan, dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. “Our rapid growth has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations.”
DelVal currently offers master’s degrees in: business administration (MBA), counseling psychology, policy studies, and education. The University launched its first doctorate in educational leadership in 2014, and continues to explore additional graduate programs.
DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo is excited about the potential for continued growth. Since her arrival on July 1, she has become immersed in all aspects of the university and continues her listening tour with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders.
“To start my presidency with historic enrollment is exciting,” said Dr. Gallo. “I believe we have the opportunity to see further growth by becoming more engaged with our community, regionally, nationally and even internationally. We want to expand current partnerships and build new relationships as we position the University as a top-of-mind resource for education and learning.”