HENNIKER — Last year’s merger with the New Hampshire Institute of Art has boosted New England College’s undergraduate enrollment to a record of an estimated 1,345 students.
The school announced the figure this week in advance of Convocation marking the start of its 73rd academic year. NEC said about 440 new students have enrolled at its main Henniker campus, plus 105 new students at the Institute of Art and Design in Manchester.
NEC, which like many colleges without big endowments is heavily dependent on annual tuition payments, is on a years-long effort to boost enrollment, creating new programs and new buildings to lure students.
“The new e-sports arena, that has been very helpful with the freshman class,” said Tom Horgan, public affairs director for the college.
The 350-seat Putnam Center for the Performing Arts is expected to open early next year, helping boost the school’s theater programs even as the merger with NHIA, a four-year college with roots in Manchester dating back a century, has boosted arts programs.
Students moved into Manchester on Aug. 22 and into Henniker campus onAug. 23.
“We’re very pleased with our numbers,” Horgan said.
The college says its first capital campaign will conclude next spring, having raised “over $40 million.”
Downtown Concord has seen one change related to New England College: Its storefront office has shut.
The 62 N. Main St. office had a gathering space on the ground floor and two classrooms above that were used for masters of science programs in clinical and mental health, and in public policy. Horgan said the lease came up and was not renewed; the space has not yet been filled.
The two masters programs are now based in Manchester.