September 12, 2007

Dana College has seen an increase in enrollment for the 2007-08 academic year with 635 students studying on the hill this fall.

The biggest jump for the four-year college in Blair, Neb., is in its incoming students. A total of 185 freshmen are on campus this fall, an increase of more than 27 percent over last year’s incoming class. Transfer student enrollment is also up 60 percent from a year ago.

Growth hasn’t just been with larger incoming numbers. Dana’s retention rates also have improved five percent over last year. The introduction of Dana’s MP3 (Maximum Peak Performance Program) for all freshman students assists them in the transition from high school to college.

“We are pleased to see positive enrollment numbers this fall,” said Dr. Janet Philipp, president of Dana College. “Our entire campus community worked hard this past year to connect with prospective students who would be a good fit at Dana.”

Dana College leaders say its growth can be attributed to several factors.

New majors in musical theater and sport management added last fall have attracted new students. New students are also attracted to Dana’s recognized science programs. In recent years, 89 percent of Dana’s biology and chemistry graduates who have applied to professional school programs, in such areas as medical, pharmaceutical and physical therapy, have been accepted.

A suite-style residence hall opened for upperclassmen in 2006 and is filled to capacity with a waiting list for the second year. Mickelsen Hall has been remodeled into a suite-like environment for female students, giving yet another housing option.

Dana College’s standards of excellence were recognized this fall with inclusion in the top tier of the “Best Baccalaureate Colleges – Midwest” as rated by U.S. News and World Report.

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For more information, contact:

Carrie L. Reed, Director of College Relations and Marketing,
402-426-7385, creed@dana.edu