UMO Boasts Record Enrollment and Modest Rise in Tuition
UMO Boasts Record Enrollment and Modest Rise in Tuition
MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive is experiencing record enrollment in its traditional student population. As of today there are 969 traditional students, 37 more than last year this time.
Dr. Barbara Kornegay, vice president for Enrollment said, “This year’s increase in new student enrollment, which included more out of state students than last year, as well as a very good representation from Wayne and surrounding counties, is one more step in our plan to increase our daytime enrollment. Our admissions team has strong leadership, and the faculty and staff did an outstanding job with Admitted Student days and new transfer advisement.”
Kornegay attributes the rise in enrollment to several factors including: an increased appeal of agriculture education and agribusiness as majors; stronger recruitment in out of state territories; an increased number of students from Sampson county this year than in past years; and the fact that UMO is involved with every student on an individual basis, from application to financial aid, to academic advising and instruction to graduation.
It probably didn’t hurt that the institution had a minimal tuition increase. UMO, which is listed by the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities as the fourth most affordable private college in North Carolina, boasted only a 3% increase in tuition this year.
“I have spent over 40 years in higher education, working in both the public and private sectors,” stated Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter, UMO president. “Based on experience, I know that private higher education is a treasure, although it is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood. Often people simply assume that they cannot afford to attend a private college or university when, in fact, it may be one of the most affordable choices for them to pursue a four-year degree, and especially given reductions in financial aid at both the state and federal levels.”
Katrina Lee, director of Financial Aid, reports that nearly all of the traditional students at UMO, about 95%, receive some type of financial aid.
“It is important to note that at the University of Mount Olive, we look at every student individually and package financial aid for individuals based on their need,” said Lee. “We have a personal relationship with our students and make every effort to consider their situation in a one-on-one environment.”
Kornegay added, “Students and their families should consider the cost of a college education as an investment that provides personal and financial dividends for a lifetime. In both earning potential and learning potential, you cannot beat the value of a college education.”
In addition to its traditional student population, the University of Mount Olive has an enrollment of over 2,200 students in its working adult student population with the University’s eight eastern North Carolina locations.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.
