Athens State University
School Characteristics: Private (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Semester
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: Dr. Catherine Wehlburg (Interim President)
Website: https://www.athens.edu/; Phone: 2562338100
Location: 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL, 35611
Athens State University Important Facts
Key Observations on Tuition, Enrollment, and Gender Ratio
Athens State University has experienced significant fluctuations in tuition costs over the years, particularly for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, the in-state tuition was $5,760, which has escalated to $9,840 by 2024, marking a staggering increase of approximately 71.5%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition rose from $10,770 to $17,370 during the same period, reflecting a 61.5% rise. This upward trend in tuition fees may deter prospective students and raise concerns about the affordability of higher education, particularly in light of the rising student debt crisis affecting many graduates across the nation.
In parallel to the tuition increases, student enrollment has been on a decline. From a peak in 2013 with 3,415 undergraduate students, the number has steadily decreased to just 2,520 by 2023. This downward trend raises concerns about the university's appeal and the potential impacts on the institution's financial stability and academic offerings. The decline in enrollment could also be attributed to the rising tuition costs and the competitive nature of higher education.
An interesting demographic shift is observed in the gender ratio among undergraduate students. In 2013, the male-to-female ratio was approximately 34.9% to 65.1%. By 2023, this has shifted further, with males constituting about 29.5% and females 70.5%. This indicates a growing female representation in the student body, which is a positive trend as institutions strive for gender equity in education. However, the decreasing male enrollment could also point to broader societal trends that require further investigation.
Overall, the interplay of rising tuition costs, declining enrollment, and changing gender demographics presents a complex scenario for Athens State University, necessitating strategic planning to enhance student retention and recruitment while maintaining financial viability.
Athens State University Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduation Data from Athens State University
The graduation data from Athens State University reveals intriguing trends in various academic programs for the year 2023. Notably, the field of Education, with multiple specializations, stands out as the most prominent area of study, producing a total of 263 graduates across various degree levels. This accounts for approximately 55% of the total graduates, underscoring the university's strong emphasis on training future educators amidst a growing demand for skilled teaching professionals.
In contrast, the Business Administration and Management program, while yielding a total of 78 graduates, has not attracted any international students at the bachelor's level. This raises questions about the program's global appeal, especially considering that business degrees are often sought after by international students. The absence of international graduates may suggest a need for the university to enhance its marketing strategies or curriculum to attract a more diverse student body.
Additionally, the data highlights a significant gap in graduate education, particularly at the master's level. While 45 master's degrees were awarded in Business Administration, only a single international student graduated, indicating potential barriers or lack of awareness among foreign students regarding the program's offerings.
Interestingly, STEM fields, particularly the Computer Science and Information Technology programs, show minimal participation, with only a handful of graduates and just one international student. This trend could reflect broader issues within the region regarding attracting students to technology-focused disciplines, especially in a job market increasingly reliant on tech skills.
Overall, this analysis not only highlights the strengths of Athens State University in education but also points to opportunities for growth in other fields, particularly in attracting international students and enhancing the appeal of its business and technology programs.
Athens State University Students Diversity
Demographic Analysis of Athens State University Students in 2023
In 2023, Athens State University presents a diverse student body, particularly when examining the demographics of undergraduate and graduate populations. The data indicates a significant representation of undergraduate students, with a notable number being returning students. Among these returning undergraduates, 70% are female, highlighting a potential trend of women pursuing higher education at this institution.
The transfer student population also shows a similar gender distribution, with females making up 72.6% of this group. This consistent trend across both categories suggests that Athens State University is an appealing option for women, possibly due to supportive programs or a campus culture that encourages female engagement in academic pursuits.
On the graduate level, while the overall population is smaller, it is noteworthy that 61.8% of these students are female. This suggests that women are increasingly seeking advanced degrees, which may reflect broader societal shifts towards gender equality in higher education and professional fields.
The racial demographics reveal that white students constitute a significant portion of the student body across all categories. However, the presence of other ethnic groups, while less pronounced, indicates a growing diversity that enriches the academic environment. This aligns with national trends in higher education, where institutions are striving to create more inclusive spaces for students from various backgrounds.
Overall, the data from Athens State University reflects broader trends in higher education concerning gender representation and ethnic diversity, highlighting the institution's role in fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Athens State University Students Age Distribution
Age Distribution of Students at Athens State University in 2023
The age distribution of students at Athens State University in 2023 reveals insightful trends concerning the demographics of the student body. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 20-24 age range, with a significant representation of both undergraduate and graduate students. Specifically, 20-21 year-olds account for 24.4% of the total enrollment, while those aged 22-24 make up another 26.2%. This indicates a youthful and vibrant campus atmosphere, which is typical for many universities.
Interestingly, the number of female undergraduate students significantly outnumbers their male counterparts in nearly all age categories, particularly in the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets, where females represent 87.5% and 74.3% respectively. This gender disparity in enrollment is a common theme across many educational institutions, highlighting ongoing efforts to attract more male students into higher education.
Moreover, the data shows that as age increases, the number of students tends to decline. For example, in the 30-34 age group, there are 115 females compared to 92 males, indicating a slightly more balanced gender ratio. However, the numbers sharply decrease in the 50-64 and above 65 categories, where only a handful of students are present.
Overall, the age and gender demographics at Athens State University reflect broader trends in higher education, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, especially for those who may be returning to education later in life.
Athens State University International Students Trends
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Athens State University
The data on international student enrollment at Athens State University reflects a noticeable trend over the years, particularly in the undergraduate sector. From 2010 to 2017, the number of international undergraduate students showed a general increase, peaking in 2013 with 30 students, which constituted about 0.88% of the total undergraduate population. However, this figure saw a drastic decline in the following years, with only 4 international students recorded in 2017, representing a mere 0.13%. This downward trend raises concerns about the university's attractiveness to international students amidst growing competition from other institutions.
The data for the years 2021 and 2022 indicates a persistently low number of international undergraduate students, with only 2 students each year, accounting for 0.07% and 0.08%, respectively. It is noteworthy that the total undergraduate enrollment has also decreased significantly over these years, suggesting that the university may be facing broader challenges regarding student retention and recruitment.
On the graduate level, while the data is sparse, there is a notable presence of international students in 2023 with 1 international graduate student out of a total of 374, making up 0.27%. This figure, while low, signifies a shift towards potential growth in graduate enrollment, which could be leveraged to attract more international candidates.
Overall, Athens State University's international student enrollment figures highlight the need for strategic measures to enhance its global appeal and address the challenges posed by increasing competition in higher education. Engaging with international markets, enhancing support services, and promoting the university's unique offerings could play a crucial role in reversing the declining trend.
Athens State University Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable universities near Athens State University:
Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th in the 2024 US News rankings, Vanderbilt is a prestigious private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
Emory University - With a rank of 24, Emory University is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is recognized for its excellent liberal arts education and strong emphasis on research and community service.
The University of the South - This liberal arts college, ranked 51st, is located in Sewanee, Tennessee. It is known for its beautiful campus and rigorous academic programs.
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142nd, this public research university is recognized for its health sciences and medical programs, making it a key player in healthcare education.
Auburn University - Auburn University, ranked 93rd, is a comprehensive university located in Auburn, Alabama. It is known for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs.
These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic landscape surrounding Athens State University.
Campus Safety
Crime Trends at Athens State University
The data from Athens State University reveals interesting trends in campus-related crime over the years 2013 to 2023. Notably, the crime rate, measured per 1,000 students, has fluctuated significantly, peaking in 2014 with a rate of 1.58 incidents per 1,000 students before declining to a low of 0.00 in 2015 and again in 2021. This fluctuation suggests that the university has experienced periods of increased criminal activity, followed by years of relative calm.
In 2022 and 2023, the crime rate showed a slight resurgence, with rates of 1.43 and 1.38 respectively. Despite these figures, the overall number of recorded crimes remains low, indicating a generally safe campus environment. The absence of on-campus incidents for several years, especially in 2015 and 2021, may reflect successful crime prevention measures or shifts in student behavior.
Looking closely at the types of offenses, the absence of arrests or incidents related to serious crimes such as assault or robbery during multiple years could be a positive indicator of campus safety. However, the presence of incidents like domestic violence and drug-related arrests in some years highlights ongoing challenges that the university must address.
As crime rates can significantly impact student life and perceptions of safety, it’s crucial for Athens State University to continue monitoring these trends and adapting their safety measures accordingly. Engaging in proactive measures will not only enhance the sense of security but also foster a more conducive environment for academic success.
For more information on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Reference
Athens State University Important Facts Trends
Athens State University degrees/majors
Athens State University major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Business Administration and Management, General. | $49,436-$63,319 | ||
Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management. | $49,436-$63,319 | ||
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $49,436-$63,319 | ||
Operations Management and Supervision. | $49,436-$63,319 | ||
Organizational Leadership. | $49,436-$63,319 | ||
Science/Technology Management. | $49,436-$63,319 | ||
Accounting. | $46,577 | ||
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $44,130 | ||
Management Information Systems, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Special Education and Teaching, General. | $43,668 | ||
Elementary Education and Teaching. | $40,948 | ||
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching. | $40,948 | ||
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | $42,403-$66,720 | ||
Technical Teacher Education. | $42,403-$66,720 | ||
Education, Other. | $31,706 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $50,903 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | $40,917 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | ||
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - | ||
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $78,435 | ||
Information Technology. | $78,435 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | $57,584 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Social Sciences, General. | - | ||
Political Science and Government, General. | - | ||
Sociology, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $34,324 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - | ||
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $36,907 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
History, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Art/Art Studies, General. | $38,006 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Religion/Religious Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Behavioral Sciences. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
---|---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | - |
Athens State University Schools/Majors Ranking
Athens State University Varsity Athletes
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Athens State University, located in Athens, Alabama, is renowned for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1822, it stands as Alabama's oldest institution of higher education. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly known for its strong emphasis on business, education, and technology fields. Athens State University is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of its student population, which includes both traditional and non-traditional students. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs, and recreational centers that enrich the student experience and promote academic success.
The university's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Education for Life," highlighting its focus on lifelong learning and personal growth. Athens State prides itself on fostering a vibrant campus culture, where students are encouraged to engage in various extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, sports, and community service initiatives. With a strong emphasis on student support, the university provides resources such as academic advising, career services, and tutoring to ensure that students are well-prepared for their future careers. The alumni network is robust, with graduates excelling in a variety of fields, reflecting the quality of education received at Athens State. Overall, Athens State University not only emphasizes academic excellence but also nurtures a sense of community, making it a distinguished choice for students pursuing higher education in Alabama.