WSU welcomes local, diverse new student class

Photo | Edd Cote Worcester State University

Write a Comment

By Zachary Comeau

Worcester State University is celebrating one of its largest and most diverse freshman classes in the school’s history.

According to a press release from the school Wednesday, there are 911 first-year students and another 515 transfers, a 1,426 new-student total that represents a five percent increase over last year’s total.

A majority of the new students -- 51 percent -- are from Worcester County, and 93 percent are from Massachusetts.

Another 51 percent of the new students are the first generation in their families to attend college.

The new students aren’t just local -- they’re also more diverse than in past years as 35 percent identify as being a student of color, compared to just 27 percent last year.

The college is also priding itself on drawing 25 percent more students from the Worcester Public Schools that the school attributed to new highly-visible construction projects and an “on-the-spot decision days” at Worcester public high schools when WSU officials visited.

“Students are choosing WSU in greater numbers because of the quality education, wide variety of academic options, relatively low cost, and community feeling on our beautiful campus,” said Ryan G. Forsythe, vice president for enrollment management. “With new students from all corners of Massachusetts, the region, and around the world, Worcester State is delighted to start the new academic year with such promise.”