Inside Iowa State

Sep. 7, 2007

Enrollment leaps by nearly 700 students

by Annette Hacker, News Service

Student enrollment at Iowa State University is 26,160, an increase of 2.7 percent (or 698 more students) compared to fall 2006.

Iowa State gained 564 under-graduate students, 53 professional (veterinary medicine) students and 81 graduate students. Every college experienced an increase in the number of students enrolled.

It's the first time since 2002 that enrollment has climbed at Iowa State.

"Our enrollment growth is a reflection of the tremendous value that prospective students and their families place on an Iowa State University education, and it's a credit to the outstanding recruitment efforts of our entire university faculty and staff," said President Gregory Geoffroy. "Iowa State is a great place for a student to pursue his or her career dreams, and we are delighted that so many continue to choose us."

This fall, Iowa State attracted its largest transfer class since 2002: 1,527 students, up from 1,461 in fall 2006. ISU also attracted its third-largest freshman class in history: 4,347 students. That's 364 more freshmen than in fall 2006. The largest freshman class was in 2001, with 4,654 students.

"We have ramped up recruitment, knowing there is greater competition for fewer graduating high school seniors in our region," said Marc Harding, director of enrollment services. "The university also is investing additional effort in international recruitment.

"Iowa State welcomed 131 more international students this year than last. We experienced a nearly 50 percent growth in new international undergraduates," Harding said. "A robust international enrollment contributes to the diversity priorities referenced in our strategic plan. And I think you see that sort of commitment, as evidenced by President Geoffroy's recent Latin America trip with U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings."

For the second time, Iowa State has met the 8.5 percent minority enrollment goal set by the board of regents. Iowa State's total U.S. minority enrollment for fall 2007 is 2,220 students, up 66 students from fall 2006.

Complete enrollment information is available at www.iastate.edu/~registrar/stats.

At a glance

• The total Iowa State University student body of 26,160 represents:
• 18,214 Iowa residents, an increase of 253 students from fall 2006
• 7,946 nonresidents, an increase of 445 students from fall 2006
• 2,244 international students, an increase of 131 students from fall 2006
• 21,004 undergraduates, an increase of 564 from fall 2006
• 4,664 graduate students, an increase of 81 from fall 2006
• 492 professional (veterinary medicine) students, an increase of 53 from fall 2006

Complete enrollment information is available online.