A record-breaking 30,102 students enrolled at KU in fall 2008, according to data released Sept. 25. The University also enrolled the largest, brightest and most diverse freshman class in its history.

The first-time freshman class, whose enrollment is 4,483, also earned a record-high average ACT composite score of 24.8, topping the national average of 22.

"KU continues to be the first choice for a diverse group of dedicated and talented students,” said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. "Our Four-Year Tuition Compact is an added attraction for this talented pool, because these freshmen and their families know a first-rate education will remain affordable.”

The tuition compact, which was implemented in fall 2007, gives incoming freshmen a tuition rate that remains fixed, with no increase, for four years.

KU’s multicultural enrollment has grown each year since 2002. It made major leaps this year, with 12.7 percent of KU students identifying as American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, African-American or Latino.

Among first-time freshmen, minority enrollment increased 19.3 percent. Freshman African-American students increased by 27.8 percent, and freshman Latino students increased by 23.4 percent, compared to fall 2007.

KU also increased the number of transfer students by 21 percent over fall 2007.

The overall enrollment at KU is a 2.9 percent increase over fall 2007. Enrollment at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., increased by 6.3 percent to a record 3,103. Multicultural enrollment at KUMC rose by 6.1 percent.

While some may be tempted to attribute the increase to KU’s NCAA men’s national basketball championship and the Orange Bowl championship, admissions director Lisa Kress said applications were higher all year and there was no spike in applications after these victories.

"These students were motivated by KU’s strong academic rankings and overall reputation and were eager to attend KU before the athletic victories. KU is a great place to be,” she said.

Hemenway agreed, saying: "Students come to the University of Kansas for the high-quality education. We have had many successes in classrooms, labs and offices on campus in addition to our athletic prowess. KU has an outstanding group of faculty, researchers and staff.”

KU breaks enrollment records

Overall: 30,102
Lawrence campus: 26,999
Medical Center: 3,103
Minority enrollment: 3,809
Entering freshman class: 4,483
Average ACT composite score for entering freshmen: 24.8

Fall enrollment totals

2008: 30,102
2007: 29,260
2006: 29,613
2005: 29,624
2004: 29,590
2003: 29,272
2002: 28,849