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YSU Jump Start enrolls nearly 100
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
Nearly 100 incoming Youngstown State University freshmen are taking advantage this summer of the opportunity to start classes early at a lower tuition rate.
“We had 97 who enrolled but well over 120 who showed interest,” said Sharon Schroeder, assistant director of Metro Credit Outreach Education at YSU.
It’s a number that pleases YSU officials.
“I’m very happy with that,” Schroeder said. “Everyone I’ve talked to seems to be very happy with that.”
This is the first year YSU offered Jump Start for new students. It allows first-time freshmen this fall to take up to two three-credit courses this summer at a discounted rate.
The cost for one three-credit class will be $500 – less than half the regular $1,011 one-course tuition. Nonresident surcharges will apply for out-of-state students.
The idea behind launching the program was to help students get an early start with college and reduce or eliminate the amount of debt they have upon graduation.
Classes started June 15.
YSU offered six courses, a combination of general education and developmental classes during the summer session.
“Three of the sections closed – they filled,” the assistant director said. “The rest are at 15 to 25 students.”
The sections that filled are writing, English and communication courses.
“Every student needs to take those in order to graduate, no matter the major,” she said.
The university offered classes in summer 2014 to that fall’s incoming freshmen but not for course credit. Jump Start courses are full credit.
The program was approved last winter by YSU trustees, and the fee structure was approved by the Ohio Board of Regents.
Schroeder believes the program will be offered again next year.
“I haven’t received any word otherwise, that it won’t,” she said. “We’ve already started to plan for next summer.”