SPARTANBURG, S.C. (courtesy smcsc.edu) — The start of fall classes brought a record number of students to Spartanburg Methodist College, topping the previous mark set by the College last year.
“It’s always exciting to start a new school year and welcome both familiar and new faces,” said SMC President Scott Cochran. “Knowing that more students than ever will be getting the benefit of an SMC education makes it even more exciting.”
The college enrolled 1,072 students for the new year, topping its previous enrollment record of 1,044 in 2021. There will be 913 students on campus and 159 online for the year. The growth is partly due to increased enrollment in the College’s bachelor’s degree and SMC Online programs.
SMC has enhanced its degree offerings in the past several years, adding two bachelor’s degrees in nine subjects. The school also launched online degree programs for students with non-traditional schedules. Students may also choose a mix of on-campus and online courses.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in students remaining at SMC to complete their four-year degree,” said Curt Laird, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our bachelor’s degree program enrollment increased by 25%. And our online programs enrolled 50% more students this year, exceeding enrollment projections for the second straight year.”
SMC’s record enrollment started with the arrival of first-year resident students moving into their residence halls in August.
In keeping with campus tradition, the first-year students were met with a welcoming committee of the faculty, staff, and student ambassadors. The group provides not only a hearty welcome to SMC, but also lends a hand to new students and their families in unloading their belongings and even helping them move them into their rooms.
The group worked throughout the first day to help make the transition for new students – and their parents – much easier.
SMC welcomed approximately 350 new students to the residence halls on move-in day and 520 resident students overall.
