University of Arkansas Breaks 17,000 in Enrollment; Graduation Rate Up

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Enrollment at the University of Arkansas set a new record, with 17,269 students for the fall 2004 semester, a 4.9 percent increase from 16,449 set one year ago, and the first time the U of A has surpassed the 17,000 student mark, according to preliminary reports on 11^th day class numbers.

The six-year graduation rate, based this year on the matriculation of the 1998 freshman class, reached an all-time high. Through summer 2004, 52.8 percent had graduated, up from 48.1 percent last year.

When Chancellor John A. White arrived at the university in 1997, the university's enrollment was 14,740 students and the graduation rate stood at 41.8 percent. Chancellor White has set an enrollment goal of 22,500 by 2010, and a graduation rate of 66 percent.

"The new numbers represent a lot of hard work on the part of the staff and faculty, and, of course, our students. They are remarkable accomplishments for both the university and the entire state," White said.

"I commend the dedication of our faculty and staff," White added. "As the size and quality of the student body grows, they have been both challenged and energized. The quality of their work is reflected in the increasing number of both enrolled students and graduates."

Undergraduates made up 13,831 of the total, graduates 3,438.

The freshman class, at 2,501, was the second-largest since the enrollment growth effort began. Last year's class was 2,357; the largest class since 1997 was the freshman class of 1998, at 2,556.

"As entering freshman classes continue to increase in size, one of our primary goals is to make the transition from high school to college as seamless as possible," said Sue Borrego, dean of students. "Through our programs in the residence halls, First Year Experience programs such as R.O.C.K. Camp and academic convocation, we strive to give our entering students every opportunity to become acquainted with and involved in the life of their alma mater. We hope they will feel as if they have found a new home."

Within the new freshman class, there were increases in almost all categories of ethnicity or origin, with the exception of international students, whose numbers dropped from 42 to 32, a 23 percent decrease.

The number of in-state freshmen increased 2.6 percent from 1880 to 1928. The number of non-resident freshmen was 541, up from 435, a 24.4 percent increase.

The number of students who identified themselves as African-American increased slightly, from 111 to 115, a 3.6 percent increase; those identified as Native American increased from 32 to 62, a 93.8 percent increase; Asian/Pacific Islander, from 68 to 71, a 4.4 percent increase; Caucasian, from 2,024 to 2,120, a 4.7 percent increase; Latino/Hispanic from 38 to 55, a 44.7 percent increase. Students declining to self-identify with a category of ethnicity grew from 42 to 46, a 9.5 percent increase.

While the freshman class size increased 6.1 percent, average scores on the ACT and the average high school GPA remained relatively stable. The average score on the ACT was 25.4, the same as last year's average. The average high school GPA decreased to from 3.6 to 3.57 Overall, the average high school GPA has increased since 1997 when it was 3.40.
"These statistics indicate that while the class size grew, the quality of student the U of A is attracting has remained consistent," said Dawn Medley, director of admissions. "We have a commitment to diversity, growth and quality."

Graduate student enrollment increased to 3,438, up from 3,324 last year or a 4 percent increase.

"Enrollment has increased every year and we are pleased to see this consistent trend," said Collis Geren, dean of the graduate school. "We are right on track for our 2010 goal of 5,500 students."

Numbers are preliminary and based on a snapshot of the 11^th class day. They are subject to further analysis and validation. The university is changing data processing systems used to assemble enrollment information this year in order to better meet federal reporting requirements.