York College of Pennsylvania Celebrates Record 40% Increase in Applications as Academic Year Begins
York College of Pennsylvania is celebrating a remarkable milestone: a 40% increase in applications for the 2025-2026 academic year compared to the previous year.
That surge resulted in the largest incoming class in five years. This surge is a direct result of the college’s Strategic Enrollment Plan. York College Vice President of Enrollment Management Brian Hazlett credits the increase to a targeted, innovative approach.
“This growth demonstrates that our efforts to connect with students and families in meaningful ways are working,” Hazlett said. “By focusing on relationships and offering accessible pathways to higher education, we’re showing students the immense value of a York College education.”
The segmented approach of York’s Strategic Enrollment Plan focuses on reaching specific student populations, including underrepresented groups and first-generation college students. By tailoring efforts to meet the unique needs of these communities, the college is opening doors for a more diverse and dynamic student body.
One of the plan’s key pillars is to "reinvest” in our backyard. York College aims to deepen relationships with local school districts across five counties surrounding York. After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted connections with school counselors, York College has worked diligently to rebuild those relationships through renewed engagement and collaboration.
Programs like “Instant Decision Days,” where counselors visit schools and provide students with immediate admission decisions, have been instrumental in streamlining the application process and demystifying the path to college.
York College President Dr. Thomas Burns emphasized the institution’s commitment to accessibility.
“We’re determined to make higher education a goal that is within reach for all students,” Dr. Burns stated. “Through initiatives like Direct Admission and partnerships with platforms such as the Common App and Niche, we’re expanding our reach and making higher education more inclusive. But it’s not just about increasing numbers; it’s about broadening opportunities and helping families know that high quality higher education is available right here in York County at an affordable price.”
Another exciting component of the plan is the expansion of York College’s “College at the High School” program, which allows high school teachers, vetted by the college, to deliver college-level courses directly in their schools. Students can then receive college credit upon successfully completing the course. This initiative provides students with early exposure to college academics and fosters a sense of preparedness and confidence.
“Our approach is to meet students where they are,” Hazlett said. "Higher education should be an opportunity for anyone willing to put in the work. At York College, we're proud of our students' dedication to both gaining admission and succeeding in their studies. It's our mission to ensure that accessibility isn’t what stands in the way of earning a degree.”
More than 850 first-year students are beginning their college journey with York College as the 2025-2026 academic year gets underway. Nearly one-third of the students are from outside Pennsylvania. In fact, the Class of 2029 represents 26 different states, with notable enrollment from Washington, Texas, Hawaii, Colorado, Vermont, and Tennessee.
As York College celebrates this significant achievement, it remains focused on sustaining momentum and building strong, innovative pathways to higher education. This milestone is not just a testament to the success of the Strategic Enrollment Plan but also a reflection of York College’s unwavering dedication to empowering students to reach their full potential.
