Wilson College to become fully coeducational

(Chambersburg) -- Trustees at a small women's college in Franklin County have approved a plan that will convert the school to a fully coeducational institution. 

Wilson College in Chambersburg said in a statement Sunday evening that the liberal arts school founded in 1869 would begin enrolling male students without an age restriction as commuter students in the fall of this year.

In fall 2014, Wilson will admit male residential students.

Wilson, about 55 miles southwest of Harrisburg, currently allows men to be commuter students if they are children of staff or at least 22 years old.

About 11.7 percent of students are undergraduate men.

Officials cite budget deficits and debt as well as stagnant enrollment for years.

Enrollment currently totals about 700, and the proposals aim to double that figure by 2020.