STUDENTS AND FACULTY

Enrollment: 5,137.

Student Body: 67% female, 33% male, 37.9% out-of-state, 5% international (56 countries represented). Asian 2%, African American 15%, Caucasian 62%, Hispanic 2%, Native American 1%.

Retention and Graduation: 38% freshmen return for sophomore year. 3% freshmen graduate within 4 years. 15% grads go on to further study within 1 year. 5% grads pursue arts and sciences degrees. 2% grads pursue law degrees. 5% grads pursue business degrees. 2% grads pursue medical degrees.

Faculty: Student/faculty ratio 14:1. 97 full-time faculty, 29% hold PhDs, 75% are members of minority groups, 71% are women.

ACADEMICS

Degrees: Associate, bachelors, certificate, doctoral, masters, post-bachelors certificate, post-masters certificate, terminal associate, transfer associate.

Classes: Most classes have 10-19 students. Most lab/discussion sessions have fewer than 10 students.

Majors with Highest Enrollment: Business, management, marketing, and related support services, other; human resources management and services, other; nursing/registered nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN).

Special Study Options: Accelerated program, cooperative education program, cross-registration, distance learning, double major, dual enrollment, English as a Second Language (ESL), honors program, independent study, internships, liberal arts/career combination, student-designed major, weekend college.

Honors programs: President’s List and Dean’s List Special programs offered to physically disabled students include note-taking services, reader services, tape recorders, tutors.

Career services: Alumni network, career/job search classes, career assessment, internships.

Career services highlights include: Internships/Practicum—Qualified bachelor’s degree students have an opportunity to work directly in their field of concentration.

FACILITIES

Housing: Coed dorms, Off Campus Housing for Athletes. 80% of campus accessible to physically disabled.

Special Academic Facilities/Equipment: Robert C. Byrd Learning Resources Center, Botanical Gardens and Greenhouse

Computers: 90% of classrooms, 100% of libraries, 50% of dining areas, have wireless network access. Students can register for classes online. Administrative functions (other than registration) can be performed online.

CAMPUS LIFE

Environment: Village.

Activities: Choral groups, drama/theater, literary magazine, music ensembles, pep band, student government, campus ministries, international student organization.

Organizations: 24 registered organizations, 4 honor societies, 3 religious organizations. 1 fraternity, 1 sorority.

Athletics (Intercollegiate): Men: Basketball, cross-country, soccer, track/field (outdoor). Women: cheerleading, cross-country, soccer, softball, track/field (outdoor), volleyball.

On-Campus Highlights: Cougar Den, Learning Resources Center (LRC), John W. Eye Conference Center (JWE), Culinary Arts building, Hogan Hall, Medicinal Botanical Greenhouse.1

ADMISSIONS

Freshman Academic Profile: Average high school GPA 3.02. 2% in top 10% of high school class, 14% in top 25% of high school class, 41% in top 50% of high school class. ACT middle 50% range 17-23. Minimum paper TOEFL 500. Minimum computer TOEFL 173.

Basis for Candidate Selection: Very important factors considered include: Class rank, application essay, academic GPA, recommendation(s), rigor of secondary school record, standardized test scores, alumni/ae relation, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, first generation, geographical residence, interview, level of applicant’s interest, racial/ ethnic status, religious affiliation/commitment, state residency, talent/ability, volunteer work, work experience.

Freshman Admission Requirements: High school diploma is required and GED is accepted. Academic units required: 4 English, 2 mathematics, 2 science, (2 science labs), 3 social studies. Academic units recommended: 4 English, 2 mathematics, 2 science, (2 science labs), 3 social studies, 2 history.

Freshman Admission Statistics: 1,633 applied, 100% admitted, 33% enrolled.

Transfer Admission Requirements: College transcript(s), Lowest grade transferable C.

General Admission Information: Application fee $25. Nonfall registration accepted. Admission may be deferred for a maximum of One Semester. Credit offered for CEEB Advanced Placement tests.

COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

Comprehensive fee $12,108. Annual tuition $5,400. Room and board $12,108. Required fees $1,800. Average book expense $2,667.

Required Forms and Deadlines: FAFSA. Priority financial aid filing date 3/1.

Notification of Awards: Applicants will be notified of awards on a rolling basis beginning 4/1.

Types of Aid: Need-based scholarships/grants: Federal Pell, SEOG, state scholarships/grants, private scholarships, the school’s own gift aid, Federal Nursing Scholarships. Loans: FFEL Subsidized Stafford, FFEL Unsubsidized Stafford, FFEL PLUS, Private Educational Loans.

Student Employment: Federal Work-Study Program available. Institutional employment available. Highest amount earned per year from on-campus jobs $1,600. Off-campus job opportunities are good.

Financial Aid Statistics: 26% freshmen, 35% undergrads receive need-based scholarship or grant aid. 1% freshmen, 31% freshmen, 46% undergrads receive need-based self-help aid. 2% freshmen, 2% undergrads receive athletic scholarships. 50% freshmen, 54% undergrads receive any aid. 81% undergrads borrow to pay for school. Average cumulative indebtedness $33,218.

Criteria for awarding institutional aid: Non-need-based: Academics, athletics, state/district residency.