Fiorentino noted that for some schools in the Pennsylvania system, 75% of declared majors are within 15 to 20 programs.

Universities need an array of majors that is reasonable and related to the size of the institution. She added that when undergraduates are looking at colleges, the concept of “major” loyalty doesn't matter as much as “brand” loyalty to the institution. In many cases, this can add to the length of time to graduation, which in turn impacts cost of attendance for a student. Even if they declare a major as a first-year student, students often change majors.

While many universities – including WCU – offer majors that attract students because the programs are nationally and internationally renowned, Bernotsky noted that most students matriculate as undeclared. Laurie Bernotsky, highlighted how “intentionality” in academic program design and the support services the university offers students contributes to both enrollment management and student success. In Baker Tilly’s recent Higher Ed Advisor fiscal resiliency podcast, WCU President, Christopher Fiorentino, and Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU), like many colleges and universities across the country, was struggling with enrollment decline and the related decrease in average class sizes and downward trend in student to faculty ratios. This blog summarizes the key takeaways from our fiscal resiliency podcast, episode 12.

West chester university tuition