KU Edwards Campus 2021 spring enrollment climbs 13.8% from spring 2020, adding to years of growth
Enrollment continues to climb at the KU Edwards Campus (KUEC). More than 2,500 students enrolled in a total of 14,960 credit hours in programs administered by KUEC for the spring 2021 semester: a 13.8% increase from spring 2020. This is in addition to years of steady growth: Over the last four years, enrollment measured in student credit hours at KUEC grew 39.2%.
Undergraduate programs comprised the largest enrollment growth in spring 2021. All students enrolled at KUEC come with previous college credit, ready to complete their junior and senior years – many coming from KUEC’s community college partners Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College and Metropolitan Community College – or to pursue graduate programs.
Undergraduate programs, which saw the largest growth in spring 2021 compared to spring 2020, include the following:
- Bachelor’s in American Sign Language & Deaf studies**: up 96.2%
- Bachelor’s in environmental studies*: up 274.7%
- Bachelor’s in literature, language & writing: up 30%
- Bachelor’s in psychology: up 96.1%
- Bachelor’s in social work: up 70.7%
- Bachelor’s in molecular biosciences: up 21.1%
*Supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle
** Part of the new School of Professional Studies
Spring 2021 enrollment saw continued growth in graduate programs supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT), which increased in student credit hours by 31% year over year. Those with the largest growth include the following:
- Behavioral analysis master’s and certificate: up 81.1%
- Professional Science Masters and certificates in environmental assessment: up 40.8%
- Master of Accounting: up 77.4%
“JCERT’s support is critical in helping us provide relevant programming for our students to advance in their careers and in building a talent pipeline for local employers,” said Stuart Day, dean of KUEC and the School of Professional Studies.
KU in Leavenworth also reported significant growth in each of its graduate programs, which totaled a 66.8% increase year over year:
- Master’s in homeland security: up 109.2%
- Master’s in organizational leadership: 75.6%
- Master’s in project management: up 23.4%
The KU Edwards Campus has been a KU presence in Kansas City for nearly 30 years. KUEC provides flexible, career-focused education to adult learners, including on-campus, online and hybrid course options.
Nearly all of KUEC’s students have jobs and almost 40 percent work full-time; more than 70 percent are over the age of 25; more than one-third are parents of children under 18; approximately 25% are first generation college students; and nearly 30% self-report being a member of a minority group. KUEC’s MetroKC rate provides in-state-equivalent tuition rates to all students across the metro, and its innovative transfer pathways offers high school and community college students in the area streamlined access to a four-year degree.
“We are committed to helping our students advance their careers and improve their lives,” Day said. “This continued enrollment growth is a testament to the incredible determination and perseverance of our students in achieving their goals, and we are proud to support them along the way. As a KU answer to the unique workforce needs of Kansas City and part of a strong, globally recognized network of KU campuses, the Edwards Campus serves its diverse student base through collaboration, inclusion, professionalism and innovation.”
