Kent State University at Ashtabula is beginning the spring semester with strong enrollment momentum, signaling continued student confidence in the campus’s academic offerings and the university’s commitment to access, affordability and student success.
According to the university’s 15-day census report, the Ashtabula Campus enrolled 1,815 students this spring—an increase of nearly eight percent compared to last spring. The growth builds on a strong fall semester, which saw an 11.6 percent increase in total enrollment over the previous year, underscoring sustained demand for affordable, high-quality higher education in the region.
The campus also experienced notable gains in full-time equivalency (FTE), the standardized measure that converts student credit hours into an equivalent number of full-time students. Spring FTE increased 9.3 percent from last year, representing the equivalent of 52 additional full-time students.
“These numbers reflect a positive trend as more students choose to pursue their education close to home while benefiting from the resources of a nationally recognized public research university,” said Lori Lalak Lee, director II for enrollment management and student services.
“Our growing enrollment reflects the value students see in a Kent State education and the flexibility our campus provides,” Lee added. “Students are looking for programs that lead to meaningful careers, personalized support and an affordable pathway to a degree—and Kent State Ashtabula delivers on all three.”
Kent State Ashtabula continues to attract a diverse mix of traditional, transfer and adult learners, many of whom balance academics with work and family responsibilities. Smaller class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities and strong connections with faculty remain key factors in students’ decisions to enroll and persist.
That persistence is reflected in retention data, with more than 80 percent of students returning from the previous semester for the second consecutive term. Among full-time students, the persistence rate reached 84.8 percent.
“Our spring enrollment numbers reinforce that students are seeking an education that is both high-quality and accessible,” Lee said. “Kent State Ashtabula continues to meet students where they are, providing individualized support and clear pathways to completion.”
“As enrollment grows, so does our impact on the community,” said R. William (Bill) Ayres, IV, dean and chief academic officer. “By aligning our academic programs with regional workforce needs, we are preparing students for in-demand careers that strengthen Northeast Ohio’s workforce while contributing to the economic and social vitality of the region.”
Ashtabula Campus students are part of the more than 14,000 learners enrolled across Kent State’s Regional Campus System.
To learn more about the Ashtabula Campus, register to attend the upcoming Blue & Gold Information Night on April 14.