Spring Enrollment Shows Continued Growth at University of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Total enrollment at the University of Arkansas is 20,586 students for the spring 2011 semester, the largest spring semester enrollment in the university’s history. This represents a 9 percent enrollment increase from spring 2010, when there were 18,891 students enrolled.

“This record-high student enrollment is another indicator of our university’s strengths and appeal,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Our faculty and staff have a well-deserved reputation for encouraging and supporting students, and I truly believe that our recent enrollment, retention and graduation numbers reflect well on the quality of teaching and support our students receive.”

 Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment services and dean of admissions, was also pleased with the spring enrollment picture.

“In terms of percentages, our increase this spring is greater than the historic 7.8 percent growth we saw in fall 2010,” McCray said. “Spring 2011 enrollment increased in virtually every category over the previous spring term, reflecting the fall growth, improved retention, and an increase in the number of transfer or new students enrolling for the first time in the spring.”

The freshman class had the largest percentage increase from spring semester 2010 to spring semester 2011 – a 29.3 percent growth.

The number of students enrolled this semester is slightly below last semester’s record enrollment, partly because 1,047 of the university’s students graduated in December. Their departure, combined with new enrollees, created a net decline of 819 students for the spring semester. McCray said that it is common for universities and colleges to have smaller enrollments in the spring semester than in the preceding fall semester.

“Spring enrollment figures are traditionally lower than the fall numbers in part because of December graduation,” said McCray. “So these numbers are excellent.”

The enrollment figures are based on a “snapshot” taken on the 11^th day of classes, as required by the state. This year the snapshot was delayed by two snow events that closed the university for eight days in late January and early February. The data was collected for the spring semester on Feb. 7.