The Kansas Board of Regents released its enrollment figures which show an increase of 3,237 students at the state’s 32 public universities, technical colleges and community colleges. This represents a 1.8 percent systemwide increase for the 2010 fall academic semester over the 2009 fall academic semester. The systemwide enrollment of 187,398 is reported as of the 20th day of classes.
Emporia State University had 4,914 resident students and 1,348 non-resident students, for a total of 6,262 students. That number is a decrease of 52 students, or 0.8 percent of its enrollment from Fall 2009.
Michael Lane, ESU president, said the university is already at work trying to boost enrollment in the future. ESU has hired a consultant, which is working to redesign recruitment material and the communication process with students, he said.
According to a news release issued by ESU, retention rates for first-year students increased 4.5 percent from last year’s to 73 percent. Growth also came from several states, including Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma.
Undergraduate enrollment numbers dropped 142 students, or 3.4 percent, from last year. Graduate enrollment grew by 90 students or 4.3 percent.
“Consistent with previous trends, we’re proud of the progress we continue to make in attracting students to our graduate programs,” Dr. Tes Mehring, provost and vice president for academic affairs and student life, said in the news release.
ESU President Michael Lane said he’s disappointed with the results but said the university anticipated the decline.
Four state schools — ESU, the University of Kansas, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University — all saw a decrease in enrollment. Fort Hays State University grew 5.1 percent, Washburn grew 7.3 percent and Kansas State University’s enrollment stayed even.
Community colleges and technical colleges faired better: 11 of the state’s 19 community colleges saw an increase in enrollment and five of the six technical colleges had an increased enrollment.
Flint Hills Technical College saw an enrollment increase of 74 students, or 12.2 percent of its enrollment. This year FHTC had 679 students.
Dean Hollenbeck, president of Flint Hills Technical College, said students are opting to attend a community college or technical college instead of going to universities amid the struggling economy.
At FHTC, Hollenbeck said a 12.2 percent increase in enrollment is exciting.
“It’s a big deal for us,” he said. “It’s a good thing for us. It bodes well for the quality of instruction and type of programs we’re offering here.”
Hollenbeck said students who attend technical colleges pay less tuition than at a university, another reason the economy was a factor in the enrollment figures.
Another reason, he said, is that the community is recognizing that FHTC is important.
“We’ve got the kind of programs that students and the community are asking for,” he said.
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I was very pleased that it was not worse. As I understand it, 90% of the students that choose not to come, did so because of lack of decent housing.
September 24, 2010 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kira002 (anonymous) says...
I heard that 96% of statistics are made up on the spot.
September 24, 2010 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I think you are right!!!! ......
September 25, 2010 at 1:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Good one kira002.
September 25, 2010 at 5:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
good morning biscuit.
"Undergraduate enrollment numbers dropped 142 students, or 3.4 percent, from last year. Graduate enrollment grew by 90 students or 4.3 percent."
This sounds really good doesn't it? But the old pessimist in me is wondering.
How many are doing graduate work because they can't find a job in this economy?
September 25, 2010 at 6:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Good question Steve. If you can't find a job anyway you just as well work on polishing up the old resume.
Oh....And Good Morning to you also.
September 25, 2010 at 7:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
http://finance.yahoo.com/college-educ...
September 25, 2010 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.army.mil/
September 25, 2010 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I forgot to add ......... HUA!
September 25, 2010 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )