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HAMPDEN-SYDNEY
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment is a popular topic in the world of higher education. To learn more about broader enrollment trends and Hampden-Sydney’s approach to recruiting, the Record recently caught up with Vice President for Enrollment Jeff Norris and Dean of Admission Jason Ferguson ’96.
Q:
WHAT ARE THE KEY FACETS OF COLLEGE ENROLLMENT? The two most important factors in enrollment are recruitment and retention. That is, recruiting students to enroll at an institution that is financially viable for them and their families, and then ensuring they are having one of the most transformational experiences in the country before graduating. Like recruitment, retention is a College-wide priority, involving collaboration across campus, from admission and financial aid to the dedicated folks in student affairs, academic success, and, of course, our faculty–all of whom are committed to helping our students be successful. At the same time, a key factor in retention is selectivity in admissions, ensuring that we’re admitting an incoming class that is prepared for the rigors of life on the Hill.
JN:
Q:
WHY IS RETENTION SO IMPORTANT? An institution may have a large incoming freshman class, but if only 80 percent of them return for their sophomore year, and less than 65 percent end up graduating, it creates a churn that is costly from a perception perspective as well a drain on resources in areas like student affairs and academic success. The best colleges are those with relatively stable retention through a cohort’s four years on campus. This indicates that students were both adequately prepared for and satisfied with their college experience, and it also provides financial stability for the institution. Retention and graduation rates–in addition to endowment per student–are also key factors in a variety of rankings, such as the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
JN:
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Q:
WHAT WAS H-SC’S RETENTION FOR LAST YEAR’S FRESHMAN CLASS? The class of 2024 retained at a level above 90 percent, which puts us in line with the top-50 national liberal arts colleges in the country. And to take it a step further, when you take only men into account, that figure puts us in even more rarified air.
JN: Q:
WHAT IS THE ADMISSION EXPERIENCE LIKE AT HAMPDEN-SYDNEY? We take pride in our highly personal recruiting process–one in which we truly get to know each student and his family and strive to make them feel welcome. From exceptional campus tours to handwritten letters and informal texts, our admission counselors serve as both mentors and resources to prospective students as we introduce them to this extraordinary community. We also strive to connect each student’s interests with what Hampden-Sydney has to offer. If we know, for example, that a student’s goal in life is to cure cancer, we’re going to link him with Dr. Kristian Hargadon ’01, who’s an expert in that field and can explain the many undergraduate research opportunities available at Hampden-Sydney. Throughout the course of the process, prospective students will hear from current students, past parents, trustees, faculty, staff, and President Larry Stimpert. Enrolling each new class is truly a College-wide endeavor at Hampden-Sydney.
JF:
Q:
COLLEGE COST IS A WIDELY DISCUSSED TOPIC. HOW BIG OF A FACTOR IS COST IN PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES’ DECISIONS? Cost is a critical part of the decision making process for most families. College is a major investment in one’s future, and we know that the personalized nature of a Hampden-Sydney education
JF:
THE RECORD of HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGE SPRING 2022
