As college students deal with the cost of higher education, the private schools are working hard to keep enrollment levels stable. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says Daemen College in Amherst has experienced an increase in its enrollment.
“Our enrollment for the new class is greater than we planned for, so that's always a good thing,” said Gary Olson, President.
Olson tells WBFO News they welcome more than 570-new students for the fall semester. Olson noted the college has worked to recruit all across the country and world. There are now students from about 23-states and 46-nations.
“We have high-demand programs, especially in healthcare and when you have programs that students really seek out as their first choice, it makes a difference,” Olson explained.
But with those programs comes the cost of college tuition. Samantha Smith of West Seneca is a Daemen freshman. She's majoring in the physical assistant program.
“What are the most challenges ahead for you as a college student? Obviously it’s a big financial burden for a lot of students,” questioned Buckley. “It is. I’m just going to get through it day-by-day and definitely the classes and the work load, but I’m just going to work through it and breathe,” responded Smith.
Smith said she’s not too worried about future job opportunities. “Not really. I think Daemen has a really good job placement which I’m excited about,” Smith replied.
“Obviously the cost of higher education is on all of our minds. I know all the colleges and universities that I associate with are doing everything they can to keep the cost down and that’s a goal of all of us,” Olson stated.
Smith tells us she selected Daemen because she likes the 'small' community-family-feel' the college provides, making it well worth the cost of her education.
