SAINT PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metropolitan State University has nearly outgrown the capacity at its Midway, Minneapolis and Saint Paul campuses and will begin a formal search for space in the West Metro area in early 2012. This space will enable the university to relocate and expand programs and offices. The search is driven by strong recent growth, forecasts for future growth and a desire to build a major presence in the West Metro. Enrollment increased by eight percent in the 2010-2011 school year. Summer 2011 enrollment is up 15 percent, and that trend is expected to continue for the next school year. The university currently serves 10,199 students and is on course to reach 20,000 by the year 2020.
University officials currently are assessing which programs and offices to relocate to the West Metro campus to determine how much space will be needed. Constructing a new building or leasing existing space both are options at this time. Parking and public transportation accessibility also are key considerations. The goal is to open the new campus by the fall of 2013. Metropolitan State will continue to use its main campus in Saint Paul and its Midway campus, as well as continue to offer classes on community colleges.
“Metropolitan State University is pioneering a ‘new normal’ in higher education for adult learners who are seeking effective and affordable options to complete degrees or pursue new or advanced degrees,” said Sue Hammersmith, Metropolitan State University president. “Our strong growth is an indicator of our appeal to adults who are drawn to our online course options, flexible class schedules and diversity, as well as our high retention, graduation and professional exam pass rates. We also are a national leader in enabling adult learners to receive academic credit for competencies they have learned outside the traditional classroom. A new space in the West Metro will position us to accommodate continued growth and extend our accessibility and outreach to students from a broader geographic range.”
About Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University (www.metrostate.edu), a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, provides high-quality, affordable academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. It is the only state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.