| Tech's Enrollment Tops 7,000
by Marcia Goodrich, senior writer
With well over 7,000 students, enrollment is at its
second-highest point since 1983.
Data reported to the State Budget Office on
Wednesday, Sept. 7, show total enrollment at 7,031, a 1
percent increase over fall 2010's official figure of
6,976.
Female enrollment is up for the sixth straight year
to an all-time high of 1,837, or 26.1 percent of the
student body.
Graduate enrollment increased approximately 5
percent, with a record 1,303 students seeking master's
and PhD degrees, up from 1,256 in fall 2010. "We broke
through 1,300 for the first time and processed 3,000
applications, another record number," said Jacqueline
Huntoon, dean of the Graduate School. "Graduate
enrollment continues to increase in accordance with our
strategic-plan goal of having 3,000 grad students by
2035."
"Of our on-campus enrollment, growth is strongest
among international students, and we are very pleased
that students are drawn here from all over the world to
pursue a graduate degree," she said. Many are
self-supporting or are supported by their employers or
home countries, she noted. "They provide an economic
boost both to the University and to the local
community."
Another area of growth is distance learning. The
number of students seeking a graduate degree online is
up markedly, from 58 to 106.
Undergraduate enrollment is up as well, with 5,728
students compared to last year's 5,720. The number of
new first-year students grew from 1,115 to 1,161, an
increase of approximately 4 percent. The freshman class
will also include more women: 288 as compared to 273 in
2010.
In addition, the academic credentials of the entering
freshman class are up for the sixth straight year, with
a record-setting average ACT composite score of 26.4,
compared to last year's 26.1.
"Smart, adventurous students want to study with other
smart, adventurous students," explained John Lehman,
assistant vice president of enrollment services.
The enrollment count also reflects the fact that more
students are staying at the University. The retention
rate from undergraduates' first to second year of study
has risen to 83.3 percent, approximately 2.5 percent
higher than 2010's 80.9 percent.
The COMPASS program employs a variety of strategies
to improve student retention. "Our orientation program
helps new students acclimate to the community and learn
about the resources that can make them successful," said
Director Susan Liebau. The office offers special
services for transfer and commuter students, along with
the ExSEL program, which combines leadership development
with tips for improving academic performance.
In addition, the University tracks first-year
students' mid-term grades and has stepped up efforts to
reach out to those who are struggling. "That's been one
of our most effective efforts to ensure the success of
students," Liebau said.
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