LSC’s enrollment numbers for fall 2011 are looking up—but not without some exceptions.
Enrollment deposits are up about 15 percent from last year as of May 1, said Vinnie Maloney, LSC’s associate director of admissions. However, many of these deposits have come from out-of-state students, and the college is currently 39 deposits behind its in-state target, Maloney said.
This may be due in part to the budget controversy currently going on at LSC. Prospective students who hear about the controversy may question coming to the school, Maloney said.
“They will think to themselves and wonder,” Maloney said.
To counter this, the admissions staff is trying to reach out more to in-state students, Maloney said.
“There are a lot of great things happening on campus,” Maloney said, and the admissions staff is trying to get the word out.
He said that LSC has a strong focus on in-state students as part of the school’s mission.
Maloney added that only 60 percent of the expected incoming class has deposited, and he said the admissions staff is working hard to make sure the other 40 percent deposit. He said that many students wait until they have received their financial aid award letters before they pick a school and make a deposit.
Maloney added that the admissions department is also focusing on ensuring that the 60 percent who have deposited do indeed register for fall classes.
“We’re excited about where we are deposit-wise,” Maloney said, adding that LSC is trending to have one of its largest-ever incoming classes this fall. He said this is a testament to the strength of LSC.
“Deposit numbers are good, and that shows the strength of this community,” Maloney said.