Indian River State College made history today as it welcomed its largest incoming class ever during the New Student Orientation.
Indian River State College (IRSC) serves more than 23,000 students on the Treasure Coast and in Okeechobee County. The College offer more than 120 programs leading to Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate Degrees, Technical Certificates, Applied Technology Diplomas, and Career Training programs.
Many IRSC students will go on to graduate without college debt, thanks to the College’s innovative Promise Program. Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore, administrators, faculty and dignitaries rolled out the red carpet for incoming students, ushering in a new year of educational excellence. The orientation day featured a vibrant atmosphere with various activities, including a carnival and food trucks, allowing new students to connect with their peers and familiarize themselves with campus life.
The event marked a significant milestone for the institution, highlighting its continued growth and success.
- Record-Breaking Enrollment: A record 3,500+ incoming students have enrolled in new student orientation, the College’s largest incoming group ever!
- Promise Program Success: 2,300+ high school graduates (Class of ‘24) will attend Indian River State tuition-free, through participation in the College’s Promise Program. Tuition-free! This initiative aims to make higher education accessible and affordable, removing financial barriers for eligible students seeking an Associate Degree.
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Dr. Timothy E. Moore, IRSC President
Enrollment Surge: After declining enrollment around the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian River State College has rebounded with a 26% increase in enrollment since the onset of the pandemic.
- First-Generation College Students: 51% of 2023-24 enrolled college students were first-generation college students.
“Today, we are welcoming our largest class ever, while ushering in a new era of opportunity and excellence at Indian River State College,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “This record-breaking enrollment, particularly in the face of national challenges, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovative, accessible, high-quality education. Through initiatives like our Promise Program, we are opening doors and paving pathways to success for thousands of students. As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our pledge to empower every student to achieve their fullest potential, contribute to our community, and shape the future of our region and beyond.”
Beth Gaskin, Vice President for Student Success at IRSC
Nationwide, increasing college tuition costs and complications with the FAFSA rollout are driving more students to opt out of traditional higher education. These financial and administrative barriers are prompting many to seek alternative pathways, such as trade schools, online courses, or entering the workforce directly, but Indian River State College is defying these trends.
“The record-breaking enrollment we are seeing, especially in light of national challenges like rising tuition costs and FAFSA rollout issues, speaks volumes about the value and quality of education Indian River State College provides,” said Vice President for Student Success Beth Gaskin.
To learn more about the “Promise Program” at Indian River State College, check out this article or visit www.promise.irsc.edu.