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Jayhawk flock grows this fall with record results
KU drew its biggest enrollment gain in 16 years this fall,
attracting a banner crop of high-ability students and recording
a number of records, including:
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Largest enrollment increase in 16 years. KU enrollment
reached 28,849, an increase of 659 students, or 2.3 percent
over the previous year. Total enrollment included 19,493
Kansas residents — more than any other university
or college in the state. Resident enrollment was up 478
and nonresident by 181.
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Minority student enrollment increased 12 percent, the
largest percentage increase on school record.
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The one-year retention rate for returning members of
KU's 2001 freshman class was 81 percent, the best on record.
Of the minority students in KU's fall 2001 entering freshman
class, 80 percent returned to KU this fall. That is a
significant increase from the 75 percent of minority students
in the fall 2000 entering freshman class who returned
to KU in fall 2001.
KU's success in minority enrollment and retention is the
result of a concerted effort among the entire KU community,
said James Carothers, interim associate vice provost.
Carothers cited the success of Hawk Link, a minority recruitment
and retention program run by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Hawk Link recently was named one of the three most successful
programs of its kind by Noel-Levitz, the nation's leading
higher education consulting firm.
Despite difficult economic times and a recent tuition increase
at KU, Carothers said, the University remains committed to
supporting such programs. Last month, KU announced that $150,000
from the tuition increase would be used to support minority
retention programs such as Hawk Link and the University Multicultural
Scholars program run by Renate Mai-Dalton, award-winning KU
business professor.
Other enrollment news:
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New undergraduate transfer student enrollment rose to
1,462, an increase of 9.3 percent, on the Lawrence campus.
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KU enrolled a first-time freshman class of 4,000-plus
students for the third consecutive year.
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The total enrollment of 28,849 is KU's largest since
1993 and the fifth-largest enrollment in KU history.
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The increase of 659 students is the biggest jump since
1986, when enrollment rose 1,118.
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30 percent of KU first-time freshmen again scored 27
or higher on the ACT or converted SAT. Nationally, only
13 percent of students who take the ACT score 27 or above.
The overall ACT profile of the freshman class remained
essentially stable at 24.3, the highest of any school
in Kansas and well above the national average of 22.
Links to more news:
KU sees biggest enrollment increase in 16 years, has record-breaking
retention rate
Minority enrollment at KU jumps 12 percent; largest increase
in school history
KU recruitment and retention program wins national award
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