North Dakota State University officials report that first day enrollment numbers are 7.6 percent higher than last year at this time. Prakash Mathew, vice president of student affairs, attributes the increase to several factors including an increase in student retention, transfer students, PATHWAYS participants and a higher number of international, graduate and Minnesota students choosing NDSU. The official enrollment count will be announced September 22.
"It was unlikely that we would see the huge increase in freshman enrollment we had last year (22 percent). Nevertheless, our international student population and graduate student population helped tremendously with our first day enrollment numbers. Retention efforts have paved the way for a higher percentage of returning students. Of course, enrollment figures will fluctuate up and down in the next several weeks. So we'll have to wait and see what happens with the final enrollment figure," said Mathew.
As of the first day of classes on August 24, NDSU has 13,855 students enrolled in its undergraduate, professional and graduate programs compared to fall 2008 first day count of 12,871. This represents an increase of 984 students. Undergraduate students are up 652, and the number of graduate students has increased by 327.
NDSU President Joseph Chapman said, "I am pleased that more and more students are choosing NDSU for its academic credibility. Our programs are nationally recognized and students like what we have to offer."
David Wittrock, dean of the graduate school said, "We have added some new programs and interest in all of our graduate programs remains strong. I anticipate that the final enrollment numbers for the fall term will reflect that interest."
Residence Life is pleased to offer all first year students housing on campus this year. Last year, 9 motels were utilized during the fall semester. This year, no motels were needed. In addition to 3,270 permanent beds, NDSU also has 102 overflow beds throughout the residence halls.
Rian Nostrum, director of residence life said, "A greater emphasis was placed on first year student accommodations by allocating more beds for our new freshmen. However, upper class students still have opportunity to live on campus in our residence halls and apartments. The new downtown apartments provide greater flexibility to accommodate late requests for apartment housing."
