Two local private colleges are experiencing enrollment spikes this semester. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley says both schools have enhanced programs for students.
"We have very high quality, high demand programs such as physician assistant, physical therapy, nursing and athletic training,"' said Gary Olson, President of Daemen College.
Olson spoke of the school's success after cutting the ribbon on a brand new academic and wellness center in the former YMCA building on Main Street in Amherst. It now features student learning labs and a state of the art fitness center.
As some area private colleges have experienced a decrease in enrollment and financial losses, Daemen is witnessing growth.
"We exceeded our enrollment goals this year and for a private -- in this day and age -- that's very, very hard," stated Olson. "The number of college age kids, each year, is decreasing, so we actually exceeded what we planned for."
But another private college, also located in a first ring suburb of Buffalo, is reporting an enrollment hike. Villa Maria in Cheektowaga had a 21-percent increase from last year for the fall semester.
Brian Emerson serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services at Villa.
"In the era of declining, available number of students who are going to college in this area, that is a testament to show that Villa is a viable choice," said Emerson.
Both Villa and Daemen participate in Say Yes Buffalo, offering free college tuition to city school students. Daemen has just three say yes Buffalo scholarship slots. Villa doesn't report limits.
Emerson tells WBFO News Say Yes and affordable are major factors for the enrollment spike.
"Our campus straddles the east side of Buffalo and Cheektowaga and we're proud of our location," stated Emerson. "And I believe we have the second largest, if not the largest number of Say Yes students going to a private institution in Buffalo, so it is a commitment that the college has made to ensure students in Buffalo get a great private education."
Villa launched a Visionary Plan last year that included new academic programs, adding intercollegiate athletics and new fitness center.
