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National College expanding facility to meet growing enrollment
An increase in enrollment led to the expansion.
LIBERTY — National College, Youngstown campus, opened in the fall of 2007 with 30 students. Fast forward to September 2009, and enrollment is about 720 students.
Tim Philibin, campus director, said the increase in enrollment led to expansion at National College’s location on Belmont Avenue in Liberty from 18,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. Nine new classrooms are under construction. He said the college now has 16 classrooms, but three of those are being converted to offices.
“Last June, there were 300 students, and now we are at about 720,” he said.
When the next round of classes starts, enrollment will be between 750 and 760 students, he estimated.
Philibin described the students as “nontraditional” because they are not right out of high school. The average age is between 26 and 32, he said, but the age range does cover 18 into 60s.
“The medical professions are the most well-attended,” he said.
He said National College’s student body is “older students who have leveled off and have specific ideas for their careers.”
Philibin also said about 65 percent of the students are female. He noted some are single mothers who are seeking a stable career.
Philibin said the majority, about 97 percent, are enrolled in the two-year associate degree programs.
“I think that National College filled a need in the Youngstown area with its two-year programs,” he said.
Philibin also said he believes the economy has spurred enrollment because students realize the value and importance of skills and education needed to apply for and be hired for a position.
The campus offers assistance with job placement, which is another plus, he added.
Philibin said National College’s location on Belmont Avenue also has proved to be a plus. It is in a strip plaza with Big Lots and Aldi stores.
“It seems centrally located ... close to I-80, and there’s easy access,” he said.
It is the 24th campus in the organization, which recently opened another site in Columbus.
Philibin said the business district, with the opening of Wal-Mart, is seeing more traffic.
“I think we’ll also see some walk-ins looking for information,” he said.
The director said Liberty Township’s administrator, Pat Ungaro, and trustees have offered support and cooperation to the college.
Philibin said the college and students are involved in the community in various charitable efforts including the Heart Walk at Church Hill Park.
linonis@vindy.com