USC Aiken Enrollment Hits Record High

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AIKEN, SC (11/05/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken has hit a record enrollment, which is now at 3,700.

This number represents all students enrolled at the university, including full-time, part-time, online, undergraduate, and graduate.

"We are excited to have achieved this historic milestone in our enrollment, for it helps us serve our region better by producing more highly prepared graduates," said Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor. "Much of this growth is in our graduate and online programs, which means we are providing more opportunities for adult students to obtain their educational goals.

"Our goal of providing a quality education that is affordable and accessible means that we offer a variety of degree programs via a variety of delivery options. Our online programs allow tremendous flexibility for many working professionals who are pursing master's degrees."

The university currently offers more than 50 distinct majors, including four graduate degrees.

Among the most highly sought after programs at USC Aiken are the MBA, RN-to-BSN, and industrial processes engineering. This year, the university launched its newest programs, including a master's in educational leadership and bachelor's degrees in applied mathematics and applied computer science with concentrations in cybersecurity and applied gaming. Special interest seminars and workshops are also provided through the Academy for Lifelong Learning.

"Our enrollment goals were identified by the faculty and staff who informed every aspect of the new strategic plan, which will be USC Aiken's road map for the next five years," Jordan said.

"Interest in enrollment growth is stimulated by regional workforce needs. Our business and industry partners are keen to hire college graduates with excellent critical thinking and creative problem solving abilities."

The university was established in 1961 in response to the community who lobbied for an institution of higher education in Aiken. Since then, USC Aiken has grown from a two-year school with a few students in a historic home downtown to its current location, where students earn four-year undergraduate and advanced degrees.

Currently, 86 percent of the student body comes from South Carolina; 42 percent are first-generation students, and 14 percent are military and veteran students. Additionally, 36 states and 38 countries are represented among all Pacers. Currently, 23 percent is made up of non-traditional students, those 25 and older.