October 12, 2000 - Enrollment Gains Continue at Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities
Contact: Director of Publications and Media Relations
(651) 296-0541 or Fax (651) 0872
Enrollment at the 35 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities surged
upward again this fall, with two-year colleges and state universities
posting a 3.3 percent increase over fall 1999. The gain of 4,840 students
brings the number of students enrolled to 152,933. The jump follows a
6.6 percent increase last year, which was MnSCU's biggest enrollment increase
ever.
College enrollments are measured two ways * by a count of the total number
of students being served at a point in time and by the number of credits
taken by students in an academic year. This year, like last year, gains
were reported using either measure.
The projected "full-year equivalent" enrollment, which measures the total
credits taken and equates them to full-time students, posted an increase
of 3.1 percent for the 2000-2001 school year. The gain of 3,557 full-year
equivalent students brings the total to 117,643. The "full-year equivalent"
enrollment has jumped 10.1 percent from the 1998-99 academic year to the
2000-01 academic year.
"This is very good news," said Chancellor Morris J. Anderson. "Not only
is the number of students we serve increasing, but the number of credit
hours being taken is increasing too."
Anderson said he has made increasing student enrollment a priority. "On
our campuses and at the system level, we are getting more aggressive in
marketing to prospective students," he said. "And students are recognizing
that a state college or university education in Minnesota is a very good
value."
Three years ago, the system launched a campaign to inform high school
sophomores, juniors and seniors about the opportunities available at Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities. The centerpiece of the campaign is "Go
Places," a free guide to all 35 colleges and universities within the system.
This year, the system has launched a drive to attract adults to go back
to college. The campaign recognizes that the needs and questions are different
for older students. The "Go Back. You're Ready" campaign utilizes a brochure
and other media to address concerns that many working adults have about
returning to school.
"Our colleges and universities have worked hard creating new programs,
enhancing the quality of instruction and improving the student experience,"
said Anderson. "We are delighted that enrollment gains continue at a time
when the economy is strong. It's a sign that we are reaching out effectively
and responding to the needs of the marketplace."
(See the attached table for enrollment
numbers for each of the 35 state colleges and universities.)
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