Despite budget cuts threatening the University’s degree programs, this year’s freshman class is the second largest in the last 10 years.
According to the Office of Budget and Planning, the new freshman class has 5,481 students, an increase of 14 percent from last fall.
Continuing undergraduate students decreased by 1 percent, falling from 16,845 to 16,739.
The increase in freshman enrollment came after a record increase in applications. Compared to 16,001 applications as of July 8, 2009, there were 18,292 applications this summer, according to University Director of Media Relations Ernie Ballard.
“I hope it sends a message to policy makers in this state that we have a contract with these students,” said Chancellor Michael Martin. “The flagship university in Louisiana promised them a world-class education.”
Overall University enrollment, including undergraduate, graduate and professional students, rose from 27,992 in 2009 to 28,771 in 2010, a 3 percent increase.
Diversity has also increased among these newly admitted students.
Admitted Hispanic students increased 31.4 percent, African-American students increased 45.8 percent and Asian students increased 11.9 percent.
Out-of-state admissions increased 34 percent, and in-state and transfer admissions increased 10 percent.
“I think that’s a good sign because what that’s an indication of is people outside the state are still recognizing the value and quality of an education at LSU,” said Robert Kuhn, associate vice chancellor for finance and administrative services in the Office of Budget and Planning. “People are still willing to send their children to get an education here.”
Kuhn said there have been significant increases in the library science and social work graduate programs among the individual colleges.
“Library science, which is one that’s been mentioned of being possibly closed, had a 13 percent increase in enrollment,” Kuhn said. “Even with publicity that’s come out, why are there more students enrolling in that?”
The University’s financial aid budget increased from $35.4 million last year to $51.4 million this year to accommodate the increase in students who meet the requirements for financial aid, Kuhn said.
The average ACT score of the 2010 freshman class is 25.5, higher than the Louisiana high school graduate rate of 20, Kuhn said.
“Just the average student at LSU is significantly above the state average,” Kuhn said.
—-
Contact Catherine Threkeld at [email protected]