Southwestern College reports a 20th-day enrollment of 570 full-time undergraduate students for the fall semester with a total headcount on main campus in Winfield at 613. The college has welcomed 209 first-year students to campus along with 45 transfer students in its 139th academic year.  In the fall of 2023, the college had a full-time enrollment of 574 undergraduate students and a total headcount on the main campus in Winfield of 609.

The College has shown marked improvement in first to second-year retention, a key indicator of institutional health. Overall retention has improved from 48% in 2022 to 56% 2024.

Photo: Southwestern College’s first-year students, the Class of 2028, gathered for a group picture along with student orientation leaders in August.

“As a campus community we have made retention a priority of our work and while we’ve made incredible progress over a short time, we still have ground to cover,” said Elizabeth Frombgen Southwestern College President. “We are committed to an actionable plan focused on providing support and removing barriers so that our students can complete the work, have a great experience, earn their diplomas, and ultimately be prepared for success and service in their future endeavors."

Southwestern began moving students into residence halls on Aug. 7, classes began on Aug. 19.

“Now, 20 plus days in, we’ve celebrated important institutional traditions, such as the Moundbuilding Ceremony and Opening Convocation, and are looking forward to mid-terms, fall break, Homecoming festivities, athletic competitions, and performances,” said Frombgen. “Students are noticeably more engaged in campus life than they have been in recent years and are embracing the culture of our campus community as they make a home here in Winfield.”

Since 2022, the College has launched new academic programs and initiatives to provide students with additional learning opportunities and support to help them reach their academic goals. In addition to an honors program, new majors include agribusiness, construction management (both in partnership with Cowley College), and criminal justice and legal studies. Also on the horizon is the return of a bachelor of science in nursing, with students now enrolling in pre-nursing as the College works to open the program in the fall of 2025. The College has also added a first-year experience advising program that includes a summer orientation for students and families, all aimed at supporting new undergraduates and their families during the transition to college life. These initiatives support improved retention.

"We are fortunate to have an incredible group of students, faculty, and staff here on the hill and far abroad via our online programs, the work we do together each day as learners and teachers builds opportunity and expands possibility. I am pleased that our College is off to a strong start in this new academic year," added Frombgen.