For the sixth consecutive year, historically Black Delaware State University has achieved record-breaking enrollment, with a total student population of 4,872 for the 2018-2019 academic year. This represents an overall increase of 5 percent over last year’s enrollment of 4,648. The university has a goal to reach 5,000 students by the year 2020.
University President Dr. Wilma Mishoe believes that the implementation of a Strategic Enrollment Management system and team was a key factor in this year’s enrollment increase. “Delaware State University has continued to grow year after year because we have continued to innovate, and have become much more strategic in how we attract and retain students. This year’s success builds upon past efforts to improve recruitment, enrollment, and retention. It is certainly an ongoing process, and is absolutely necessary, if we are going to meet our goal,” said Dr. Mishoe.
Several other university initiatives have attributed to the boost in enrollment. The Early College High School at the university had 57 percent of its graduates enroll at Delaware State as sophomores this fall. Additionally, the university implemented the Summer Bridge program, which allows students to earn a full semester of credit during the summer before their freshman year. The university has also secured state-funding and established partners with outside organizations, which has led to numerous scholarships for students. This fall, Delaware State University created a new Digital Learning Initiative that puts an Apple iPad Pro in the hands of every incoming first-year student.
In addition to enrollment increases, the first-year retention rate is the highest in university history at 73 percent.
