Ferrum College has set another record in fall enrollment numbers, the fourth consecutive year of significant growth.  Ferrum welcomed over 600 new students for the new academic year, increasing total enrollment to 1,400 students for the first time in 25 years. Gilda Woods, Director of Admissions, says, “Despite the lingering economic uncertainty, we continue to see families decide that a quality Ferrum education is a priority.   We are very appreciative that our students and their families recognize the exceptional value we offer at Ferrum in terms of our academic programs, facilities, amenities and services. The energy and excitement continues to grow along with our numbers!”
Enrollment for 2009-2010 is over 50% higher than in 2004 when Ferrum President, Jennifer Braaten, first initiated an enrollment strategy of improved facilities, better communication with prospective students and a strong academic plan.  “We offer our students an exceptionally welcoming campus environment, state of the art technology, comfortable living and study spaces, and a broad array of curricular and extra-curricular activities,” says Braaten, “and we have an outstanding group of faculty, administrators and staff who are committed to ‘student success’ and to helping ensure that our young men and women have the best college experience possible.”
The College opened the academic year with new and enriched programs in areas such as environmental planning and development, graphic design, eco-tourism, and musical theatre.  These offerings, along with popular majors in environmental science, (the second oldest program in the country) business administration, criminal justice, teacher education and pre-professional science, comprise a vigorous academic program that draws prospective students and culminates in well- prepared graduates with multiple career and graduate school choices. On the extracurricular side, a new men’s lacrosse team is being added to the extensive list of NCAA Division III sports offered at Ferrum.  Playing field enhancements ensure that Ferrum student athletes enjoy competing on some of the best fields and courts in Division III.

Ferrum’s continuous improvements to its academic and athletic programs go hand in hand with new and updated facilities.  Several apartment-style residence halls have been constructed in the last three years.  The north wing of Bassett Hall, Ferrum’s largest residence hall, underwent renovation during the summer. A Papa John’s restaurant will open soon in the food court area of Franklin Hall, next to the popular Subway Restaurant.  “We continue to upgrade our offerings to give our students what they need,” says President Braaten.  “At Ferrum we have been fortunate that our careful strategies for growth in both student numbers and facilities have provided us with the tools and opportunities to give tremendous added value to a Ferrum College education.  We also remain highly competitive as one of the most affordable private colleges in Virginia because of our strong financial aid/work study program.”