UA Fall Enrollment Increases By 1.1 Percent To 15,396 -- Led By Improved Student Retention Rates

Also attached is a .

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Enrollment at the University of Arkansas is up in most categories including the critical growth areas of undergraduate and graduate enrollment, retention and diversity. Total fall enrollment for 2000-2001 is 15,396, which represents a 1.1 percent increase over last year’s enrollment of 15,226.

Total undergraduate degree-seeking enrollment is up 1.5 percent, increasing to 12,180 from 11,999 last year; in addition, there are 370 non-degree seeking undergraduates this fall.

Degree- seeking graduate enrollment is up 1.2 percent, from 2,259 to 2,287. When factoring in the non-degree graduate students, total graduate enrollment is 2,491.

Enrollment in the School of Law decreased 5.8 percent, from 377 to 355.

"This fall’s enrollment is good news for the University of Arkansas in terms of our goals of growing the size, quality and diversity of the student body," said Chancellor John A. White. "Continued gains in most areas, particularly undergraduate retention and growth in the graduate student population, show that with time and focus our student body will be competitive with those of the most prominent national research universities."

Retention of freshman students was one of the most significant strides made this year. Freshman retention increased to 81.7 percent over the 1999 freshman retention rate of 77.2 percent and the 1998 rate of 74.1 percent.

Retention of African-American students played a role in the growth of freshman retention numbers, increasing to 86 percent from last year’s retention rate of 80.7 percent and 1998’s retention rate of 73.2 percent.

"In my State-of-the-University address, I identified retention and graduation as the most important issues facing the state and the University," White said. "For that reason, I am especially pleased with the improvements in freshman and African-American retention."

Retention rates of sophomores and juniors also have increased over the last three years. Sophomore retention rates went from 63.5 percent in 1998 to 65.3 percent in 1999 to 69.5 percent in 2000. Junior retention rates have gone from 57.4 percent in 1998 to 58.7 percent in 1999 to 61.1 percent in 2000. These figures refer to the percentage of the original entering freshman class that returned for its sophomore and then junior years.

The gains in graduate student enrollment were boosted mainly by a 4.2 percent increase in doctoral enrollment--from 649 last year to 676 this year.

Provost Bob Smith said, "We are pleased with the doctoral enrollment increase, but not surprised, given our recently reported 18 percent increase in research funding for FY 2000 over FY 1999. Our goals for further increases in research funding—when realized—should stimulate further increases in enrollments in our doctoral programs because of the direct link between research support and graduate student stipend support."

Other highlights from the 11^th day "snapshot" of enrollment at the University of Arkansas:

• New freshmen enrolling in degree programs increased by 0.7 percent, from 2,268 to 2,283.
• Sophomore enrollment grew 1.7 percent, from 2,802 to 2,850.
• Junior enrollment grew 12.3 percent, from 2,427 to 2,725.
• Senior enrollment dipped by 0.2 percent, from 3,221 to 3,214.

White added, "We are particularly pleased with the continued increases in the diversity of the student body. With a diverse student population, our campus is more representative of society and both the intellectual and cultural opportunities are enhanced for all students."

In terms of diversity, minority enrollment has increased in all categories:

• African-American enrollment increased 2.1 percent, from 945 to 965.
• Asian-American enrollment increased 3.0 percent, from 400 to 412.
• Hispanic enrollment increased 7.7 percent, from 207 to 223.
• Native American enrollment increased 0.3 percent, from 306 to 307.
• International students increased 5.1 percent, from 782 to 822.

###