Enrollment grows beyond pre-COVID levels; two-year programs in high-demand fields see biggest increase
More students than ever are choosing the immediate jobs and great careers a Dunwoody education makes possible. In fact, Dunwoody’s fall 2021 enrollment grew by eight percent this year, bringing the total number of students to 1,382.
The increase in enrollment not only surpassed pre-COVID numbers, but continued the growth trajectory the College had been on prior to 2020. During the past eight years, enrollment at the College has increased by 312 students, or 29 percent.
“There has never been a better time to pursue a career in a professional technical environment,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Cindy Olson. “Dunwoody has the people, the spaces, and the partnerships to provide graduates with everything they need to accelerate career growth in their chosen field.”
When fall semester classes started on Aug. 30, Dunwoody welcomed students back to in-person learning at its Minneapolis campus, with COVID precautions in place. The College is requiring all individuals on campus wear masks regardless of vaccination status and highly encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.
High-demand programs
The College saw much of its fall 2021 enrollment growth in its two-year Associate of Applied Science degrees, including Automotive, Computers, Robotics & Manufacturing, and Construction.
At the same time, a strategic focus on increasing women and under-represented populations also resulted in positive growth. In fact, the number of women at the College increased by nine percent and the number of students of color increased by 22 percent.
Dunwoody also launched two of its bachelor completion degrees to an online market this fall – Construction Management and Bachelor of Architecture. Adding an online-only option for both programs, allowed the College to attract out-of-state and working professionals, who want the flexibility an online degree affords.
Even with the increase in enrollment, the demand for skilled workers continues to outpace enrollment. In fact, Dunwoody averages 13.8 job inquires per graduate, and places 95 percent of its graduates in their field of study.
“The growth that we have seen this year really highlights the fact that more and more people are seeing the value of technical education and the great career opportunities waiting for them in the high-skill fields Dunwoody trains for,” said President Rich Wagner. “Our community and industry needs more highly trained people to fill the skills gap – and at Dunwoody we are committed to addressing that need.”
About Dunwoody
Founded in 1914, Dunwoody College of Technology is the only private, non-profit technical college in the Upper Midwest. Having provided hands-on, applied technical education to more than 250,000 men and women, Dunwoody is the college for experimenters and makers, a place where the curious and the confident learn by doing. Located in Minneapolis, Dunwoody offers a unique campus experience in dedicated labs, studios, and shops that treats students like future professionals from day one. With certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees in 44 majors – including engineering, robotics, design, and other STEM-related fields – Dunwoody challenges students to come determined and graduate destined.