Enrollment, Retention at Frostburg State University on the Rise

Feb 20, 2025 3:00 PM

Census data released Feb. 11 shows that enrollment is still on the rise at Frostburg State University for the third year, with 3,320 total students enrolled for Spring 2025, up from 3,243 last spring. This number includes students enrolled in FSU’s additional international location. Additionally, FSU awarded 844 bachelor’s degrees in FY24, up from 753 in FY23.

This dedication to the FSU college experience is also evident in the current 92.2% retention rate as the result of an increase in first-time students returning from fall 2024 to spring 2025. This increase can be largely attributed to the remarkable work of FSU’s student support services and faculty outreach.

Other areas of strength at FSU include enrollment increases in dual enrollment programs such as Bobcat Academy and international enrollment, all part of the University’s Strategic Enrollment Plan. Continued enrollment growth and an increase in retention rates show that Frostburg is reaching students from all over and they are learning about the quality education and experience they can get at FSU.

One exciting area that continues to show growth is online programs, which is largely attributed to FSU’s online Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The program touted an enrollment of 128 students, up from 49 last spring. Students are drawn to the flexibility this program allows. Success in FSU’s RN to BSN and Frostburg’s four-year traditional BSN program demonstrates that the University is meeting students’ needs as well as critical healthcare workforce needs regionally and beyond.

FSU strives to support its mission through a Strategic Enrollment Plan that focuses on two strategic initiatives - enrollment and campus culture. Enrollment forecasts are based on realistic and sustainable goals for first-year, transfer, online, adult, graduate, dually enrolled high school students and international students and to promote a campus that emphasizes student success, enhances the well-being of students and employees and fosters a sense of belonging.

To further expand on retention efforts, FSU is partnering with 11 USM institutions to promote retention and graduation among underserved students by engaging them with peer-mentoring experiences. During the fall 2024 pilot of the Advising, Belonging and Coaching (ABC) project, FSU’s Guiding Peers to Success program recruited 66 mentees and hired nine upper-class peer mentors, with an additional three joining in the spring. These mentors meet regularly with individual mentees, referring as appropriate to campus resources, offering recommendations for academic and personal success and providing support.

“Thanks to the diligent work and commitment of all those at FSU who most closely interact with prospective students and families - admissions, student support services, financial aid, registrar, billing, our increased marketing efforts, and of course, our faculty - college bound students and families are recognizing the extraordinary value and world of experiences FSU provides,” said FSU’s interim President, Mr. Al Delia. “This renewed understanding and alignment with what students look for in a university experience fueled increased enrollment for the third year in a row. I look forward to FSU extending that record for years to come.”