UI enrollment numbers for fall 2019 increased slightly to 11,926 students, up 85 students since fall 2018.
The increase comes from first-time freshmen, non-degree and graduate students, according to a report by UI Director of Communications Jodi Walker.
Total undergraduate enrollment dropped 4% from 2018 to 2019 due to a decline in retention, or the continuing student population. Idaho resident undergraduate enrollment is down 4.2% (full-time and part-time) from fall 2018, off-set by a slight increase in non-resident undergraduate enrollment, Walker said.
The overall first-time, full-time student retention rate for fall 2018-2019 is 77.3%, down from 80.7% in 2017-2018.
ICYMI: UI announces fall enrollment decline (2018)
International student enrollment declined this fall, down 95 students since last fall, due to challenges in federal immigration processes, Walker said.
The university continues to implement strategies to improve retention, including enhancing student financial support and the implementation of VandalStar, a web-based advising tool which functions as a streamlined communication platform to offer faculty and staff support to all students.
“Given national demographic challenges, we are pleased with the enrollment increase in our freshman class,” said University of Idaho President Scott Green in a news release. “We recognize that unmet financial need is an issue with our continuing student population and are committed to addressing this over time through Vandal Promise Scholarships as our fundraising priority.”
Ellen Dennis can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @edennis37