Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series looking at enrollment data from LSU since 2001. For more interactive graphics about international and in-state student enrollment, visit lsureveille.com/enrollment.
As more Louisiana residents enrolled at the University, the out-of-state student population fell below 20 percent for the first time in two years.
While the overall student population at the University rose this fall, the total out-of-state population dropped for the first time since fall 2006, falling to 19.8 percent.
“Students can’t overcome the tuition increases and the cut to scholarships,” Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management David Kurpius said.
Although the number of students coming from other southeastern states is rising, the overall out-of-state student enrollment dropped from 6,084 in fall 2012 to 5,883 in fall 2013.
Since fall 2001, every state and U.S. territory has been represented at the University. Texas consistently produces the most out-of-state students, enrolling 2,249 students this fall, a drop from 2,446 in 2012.
Like Louisiana, a strong alumni base resides in the major metropolitan area of Texas, with Houston and Dallas having the most alumni, according to Kurpius. Proximity to Louisiana helps feed Texas students to the University.
“Sometimes students want to go away for school, and LSU is just far enough way,” Kurpius said.
In the past, the cost of LSU has also played a large part in drawing out-of-state students to the University.
“Out-of-state tuition used to be less than the top institution’s [in a student’s home state],” Kurpius said.
But that isn’t the case anymore partly because tuition has increased 15 percent each year for out-of-state students. Kurpius said he cannot offer scholarships below the average. To compensate for this loss, recruiters are placed in Texas to give better customer service to prospective students.
Arkansas remains the only southeastern state that has seen a steady decline in enrollment since fall 2005.
This rise in students from southeastern states can be attributed to the same communication methods used to draw Louisiana residents. The Office of Enrollment uses targeted and strategic messages in communication, according to Associate Director of Communication, Programs and Tours Mandy Hoffman.
“We have the same target for out of state,” Hoffman said.
Out-of-state students in the southeast receive direct mail that is personalized, like Louisiana residents.
“Recruiters also have the power to admit students, which provides a personalized experience,” Kurpius said.
To attract students outside of the Southeast, the Office of Enrollment sends recruiters to the Chicago area, Washington, D.C., the Northeast and California.
Outside of the southeast U.S., California has contributed to the largest out-of-state student population at the University, enrolling a total of 1,935 students since fall 2001.