FOR RELEASE: Sept. 29, 2021
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA – The University of Providence (UP) is happy to report an overall increase in new student enrollment at the Great Falls campus, despite threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 threats include the possibilities of moving back to online instruction, mask requirements, social distancing, quarantine, isolation protocols, and more. Colleges and universities all over the country had to get creative in finding ways to make the college experience as normal as possible, in a nearly impossible situation.
In addition to those threats, enrollment efforts had shifted, with fewer financial aid applications nationwide, delayed decisions, and the inability to recruit students using standard practices.
UP saw a 9% increase in the freshman class in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the fall semester, making it the largest freshman class since 2018.
Graduate student enrollment numbers also increased by 50% overall.
UP’s School of Health Professions met new student enrollment expectations, and has seen students, known to UP as caregivers, return to school to further their education in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through a collaborative effort between UP’s admission team, marketing, coaches, faculty, and staff, UP has exceeded projected new student enrollment targets for the fall semester by 5%.
“Despite the many recent challenges we have faced as a University due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted that our new student enrollment is trending in positive direction. So many exciting changes are happening at the University of Providence, and we are thrilled to share it with such a diverse and engaged group of students. Whether attending classes online or in-person, returning back to school for a second or advanced degree, or coming to us directly out of high school, we have greatly enjoyed celebrating these first few weeks of the semester with such a talented group, and look forward to seeing our students grow and develop as young professionals in the upcoming years,” – Mackenzie Stick, VP of Enrollment Management.
UP’s small size and family-feel allows staff and faculty to give each student that personal attention they deserve, allowing incoming classes to feel connected to the UP community. UP is invested in putting that welcoming spirit on display throughout the recruitment process.
The University of Providence is a private, Roman Catholic Liberal Arts University founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Providence. The University of Providence honors the Sisters’ vision today by providing a mission-driven education to those that need it the most. UP is located in Great Falls, Montana and offers both undergraduate and graduate level liberal arts programs and health programs.
