Westwood Seeing an Increase in Enrollment Despite Economic Times

On February 17th, Westwood College announced that it will be doubling the amount of degree programs offered at both its Fort Worth and Dallas campuses. Beginning March 18, there will be two new bachelor’s degree programs as well as three new associates’ degree programs. Westwood’s campus in Forth Worth experienced a 30% increase in enrolled students from 2007 to 2008, while the first term of 2009 has shown a 23% percent increase from the previous year as well.

"Even in this tough economy we’re seeing more people enrolled in this college and I think they see it as a way to transform their lives,” - John Roberts, the director of admissions at Westwood College in Fort Worth.

There are quite a few factors that are contributing to this increase in enrollment. Schools that offer alternative to four-year degrees have been gaining recognition by students looking for more flexible class schedules, and the ability to take classes online from the comfort of their home. However, administrators believe a main incentive might be the current economic status.

The Forth Worth Campus boasts an impressive 86% rate job placement for its students only 6 months after graduation. In a time when jobs are becoming harder to locate and acquire, students are coming to Westwood not only to seek an education, but to have the resources to find a job once they graduate.

"Any college is a commitment and not a quick-fix solution to change careers," Roberts said, "but the recent state of the economy may be prompting people to take on a path they’d only considered in the past."