SUNY Empire Reports Significant Enrollment Increase for 2024 Spring Term

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – January 24, 2024) Empire State University, SUNY’s leading online university, saw a 25.3 percent increase in new student enrollment for its 2024 Spring 1 Term.  

The surge in enrollment is just one of many positive indicators for SUNY Empire. The institution also experienced overall enrollment growth with a 12% increase in credits and an increase of more than 500 applications for the spring term compared to last year. And at a time when colleges and universities nationwide are cutting faculty and staff, SUNY Empire is hiring. 

Andrea Hennessy, vice president for enrollment management and marketing at SUNY Empire, said several university-wide initiatives contributed to the significant rise in new students and applications, including the introduction of new academic and student success programs and increased investment in strategic marketing initiatives. 

While colleges and universities nationwide are facing declining enrollments, SUNY Empire is emerging as a clear choice among students seeking high-quality, online educational opportunities. 

The 2023 Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) report, produced by Quality Matters and Eduventures, points to an increasing demand for fully online and hybrid coursework and stagnant or declining demand for traditional in-person courses.  

“SUNY Empire has always been at the forefront of providing innovative education that meets students where they are,” Hennessy said. “The increases we’re seeing are a testament to the university’s commitment to online learning, and the desire among all demographics for affordable, flexible, high-quality education options.” 

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said the university anticipated and prepared for an increase in enrollment by launching initiatives designed to attract and retain students as learner preferences shifted post-pandemic. This included adding faculty and staff to ensure the institution is well prepared to support students.  

“The pandemic changed the educational experience for many students, making them re-evaluate how universities can best meet their needs,” Vollendorf said. “As New York state’s only online public university, we are uniquely positioned to serve a diverse student population and we have the proper resources in place to support all students.”