ISU Fall 2007 enrollment up 532 students to 13,208

Idaho State University officials have announced enrollment figures as of the 10th day of enrollment for fall 2007. Overall enrollment includes 13,208 students, an increase of 532 students or 4.2 percent increase from fall 2006.

In addition to the overall enrollment increase, there is an increase of more than 10 percent in admission applications with more than 7,400 total applications. These increases are accompanied by an increase in students living on campus as the opening of the new Rendezvous Complex brought more students into campus residences.

“These are encouraging figures,” said Robert Wharton, Ph.D., ISU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “They indicate things are turning around and we are moving in the right direction. However, we need to keep in mind that successfully managing enrollment growth is a long-term effort and a great deal of work remains.”

The overall enrollment increase was driven by key increases in several areas. Graduate enrollment increased to nearly 2,200, a 7.1 percent increase from fall 2006. Enrollment at the regional sites was up overall with Boise increasing by more than 300 new students and Twin Falls increasing by more than 130 new students. In addition, the university saw significant increases in high school students’ participation in the Early College Program that allows high school students to earn credit for college-level work.

 “It’s also important to remember that our state funding is based on end-of-semester enrollment, which traditionally is higher than the 10th day,” Wharton said. “While we can be encouraged by the 10th-day numbers, we must continue to work to improve retention and deliver quality education and services for our students.”

While more students are enrolled overall, some concerns remain as total credit hours enrolled and the associated revenue declined slightly (less than half of 1 percent) even with additional students. Furthermore while graduate enrollment is growing at a good rate, the undergraduate enrollment increased by only 1 percent.

“Clearly the direction is positive but one year of growth in selected areas is not a trend,” said Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Steve Neiheisel, Ph.D. “We need to follow up on the excellent work of last year’s Recruitment and Retention Task Force to ensure that the enrollment increases are broad-based, sustainable and provide the resources needed for the institution. While the overall 10th-day numbers are good news, I’m also encouraged by the number of excellent initiatives underway to support and contribute to long-term institutional growth and success.”