ESCANABA — After a very successful fall semester at Bay College, administration expects the winter semester to follow suit.

“This past fall semester was a huge success, I would say, for Bay College and our communities; it was the largest enrollment we’ve had since 2014,” said Bay Director of Admissions Jessica Beaver.

Bay saw over 2,000 individuals enroll in the fall semester.

She credits the college’s success to partnerships with high schools for the dual enrollment program as well as state initiatives such as the Community College Guarantee and the Reconnect program.

“We hope it continues. We would love to see it continue,” she said.

The current enrollment numbers are just below 2,000 students, but Beaver expects the number to rise in the coming weeks. She explained that students may add or drop courses or change their course load in general, increasing or decreasing the number of students enrolled for the winter semester.

“I expect it to increase; I expect it to be over 2,000,” Beaver said.

Assuming Beaver is right, Bay will experience back-to-back semesters with an enrollment of over 2,000 total students.

“I think more people are choosing Bay because of our affordability. Especially those that are in county. So, I think more people are choosing us, instead of going to a four-year institution right out of high school,” she said.

If anything, Beaver is surprised that there are not more individuals looking to enroll at Bay, considering its affordability and the state programs that students can utilize to cover tuition and other costs.

Growth is part of the 5-year strategic plan implemented by Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes. Bay hopes to continue to over-double the current student population in the next five years.

“We’re really hoping we can get to 5,000 students. That’s our goal; it’s a pretty big goal. That’s a huge jump,” she said.

The plan includes five pillars: amplifying institutional value and brand identity, designing a holistic student experience, cultivating a culture of care and well-being, building industry-responsive partnerships, and adopting future-ready technology.

The entirety of the strategic plan and the five pillars can be found at www.baycollege.edu/about/strategic-plan.php

She added that growth is beneficial not only to Bay but also to the students.

“The more students we have the more programs we can offer,” she said.

Beaver encourages those with questions to reach out to the admissions office, or visit Bay’s website.

The website provides information regarding FAFSA, scholarships, Michigan State programs and more. There is also a net calculator on the site, which can estimate what it will cost to attend Bay. The calculation includes tuition, student fees and other costs.

“It also gives you an idea of books, course supplies, living expenses, all of that. So it’s more of a holistic look at what life will look like when you’re a college student,” Beaver said.

Bay starts its winter semester on Monday, Jan. 13.

For more information regarding Bay, admissions or other questions, visit www.baycollege.edu or contact the admission department at (906) 217-4010 or admissions@baycollege.edu.