Avila University Responds to Record Student Enrollment with Expanded Housing Initiative
Kansas City, Missouri — With its increasing popularity and enrollment numbers breaking records year after year, Avila University is gearing up for a massive transformation. The University, rooted in the heart of south Kansas City, is riding the wave of this unexpected growth by expanding its student housing both on and off campus.
Record Student Enrollment
At a time when many educational institutions are grappling with dwindling enrollment numbers, Avila University is experiencing a surge. Emphasizing on the remarkable growth, Jim Burkee, University President, said, “In this environment where enrollments are dropping in a lot of schools, ours are soaring so much that our chief issue is, ‘How do we handle the growth?’ Avila has doubled in size in the last year; we’re going to double in size again this year.”
Last spring, Avila welcomed over 2,000 students. This fall, they anticipate more than 4,000 students joining their vibrant community. The University, well-known for its welcoming culture, is seen drawing an influx of students from low-income communities, diverse backgrounds, immigrant communities, and international students.
Why Students Choose Avila University
Enrolling students are not just impressed by the community vibe of the campus, but the strong focus on individual attention and a deep academic commitment to cater all backgrounds. One such new enrollee, Aylin Perez, explained that the scholarship she earned was a significant factor in choosing Avila. Furthermore, the University’s unwavering focus on fostering a robust community, where every individual is appreciated and valued, added to its appeal.
New Developments: Programs, Learning Models, and Accreditations
Avila has recently launched new STEM programs encompassing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital media courses, which are proving popular among the students. Further bolstering its academic offerings is the new, time-efficient three-year program, “SwiftPace,” which promises to facilitate students’ early entry into the workforce.
In response to the robust enrollment, the university is implementing hybrid learning models that break geographical barriers, allowing students from all over the United States to actively participate in the courses and attend intensive residential weekends at any of Avila’s three campuses. In addition, Avila has secured major accreditations for its School of Education and is developing new degree programs in collaboration with the University of Carthage and City of Science, Tunis, for its international graduate students.
Student Housing Expansion
In an ambitious bid to accommodate the predicted influx of students, Avila University is embarking on a significant construction venture which includes the expansion of existing on-campus housing and the addition of off-campus accommodations.
A notable aspect of the project is the acquisition of Villa Ventura, a former senior living community located just outside the campus. The building is expected to provide an additional 500 beds for students, potentially reaching full capacity as early as this fall.
Affordable Room and Board
Recognizing the financial constraints many students face, the cost for room and board at Avila is half of the average rate at most schools. For an annual fee of $8,000, students can enjoy living on the university’s campus.
As Avila University prepares for its anticipated growth, they remain steadfast in their commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education and creating an inclusive, diverse community that celebrates each member’s uniqueness.
