Laura George, Assistant Director of Admissions, meets with high school students and counselors at a college fair in Columbus, Ohio
From Alfred State College,
Alfred State College (ASC) is widening its recruiting reach by adding Ohio to the growing list of states where admissions counselors are actively visiting with high school students. The move builds on the college’s great success in attracting students from across the region
Recent ASC honors include a US News & World Report number one ranking for undergraduate teaching among all regional colleges in the 11-state northern region. Top rankings, along with the college’s strong value, are resonating with families outside New York. Out-of-state applications at Alfred State have surged 41 percent in the past two years, and enrollment has grown by 11 percent.
Admissions and enrollment leaders recently visited Columbus, Ohio, to introduce counselors and families to ASC’s hands-on, career-focused programs. The visits included information about the college’s Freeway Scholarships, which make out-of-state tuition at Alfred State just $7,070. By comparison, the average in-state tuition and fees at public schools in Ohio are $10,922, according to EducationData.org.
“It’s exciting to introduce a whole new section of the country to Alfred State,” said Laura George, Assistant Director of Admissions. “High school counselors and parents are often surprised by how affordable we are compared to state schools in their region. And when I mention that Alfred State is only a four- or five-hour drive away, a lot of ears perk up.”
Leaders also attribute rising interest to the strong appeal of the school’s 99 percent employment and continuing education rate, as families want to see tangible results for their college investment. Alfred State attracted students from 27 states and five countries this year.
“Families across the Northeast have responded to Alfred State’s combination of affordability and top-ranked programs,” said Kishan Zuber, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “By expanding into Ohio, we’re allowing even more students to earn high-quality, career-ready degrees at a lower cost than they would pay to attend their own state school.”
Alfred State has seen particularly strong results in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where average in-state tuition costs are significantly higher than ASC’s: $15,265 in New Jersey and $16,217 in Pennsylvania, according to EducationData.org.
Active recruitment in Ohio is being supported by a digital marketing campaign, helping to build a broader pipeline of students as New York State high school graduation numbers decline. While affordable, Alfred State is also recognized nationally for its programs in technology, health sciences, construction, agriculture, and the trades.
High school juniors and seniors in every state will also have the chance to visit Alfred State in person this fall. Families are invited to attend open house programs on October 18 and November 9 to tour the campus, meet faculty, and experience the hands-on learning and career readiness that are distinctly part of Alfred State.
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