WSU Student Numbers Up for Spring Semester

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University spring enrollment numbers showed an increase in both headcount and full time equivalent (FTE) enrollment on all campuses compared to totals a year ago. Growth also came in enrollment by students of color in the WSU system.

The highest increase was at WSU Spokane, which registered 556 students, 93 more than a year ago, for more than a 20 percent increase. WSU Vancouver showed a 133 student increase to 1,611, a 9 percent hike. WSU Tri-Cities’ increase was 1.9 percent, or up 20, to 1,078. The Pullman campus lists a headcount of 17,114, a difference of 297, or a 1.8 percent increase from the 2000 spring count.

The Pullman campus reported increases in all categories of its ethnic enrollment totals. Its African American students increased by 52, more than 12 percent, to 481, while Asian American numbers increased by 40 to 871. The number of students of Hispanic origin increased 34, or more than 6.5 percent, to 553. Native American numbers increased by 4 to 262. Students of color now represent 12.66 percent of WSU’s total enrollment, an increase of 130 from a year ago.

“Recruitment is a year-long effort for our staff,” explained Steve Nakata, director of Multicultural Student Services. “We continue to make contact with students until they make their college decisions. But we are encouraged that more and more students of color are selecting Washington State University.”

In Pullman, the junior class of 3,948 showed an increase of 412 from the spring 2000 total. The freshman class was up 32 as compared with 2000 totals. Following mid-year graduation, the senior class is listed as 4,558, down 51 when compared to spring 2000. The sophomore class also is down — 192 — in its spring comparisons.

Graduate student numbers stayed about the same — up two from spring 2000 — at 1,851. Professional numbers increased by 10, post baccalaureate students increased by 11, while those in other classes added 73, or nearly 34 percent from spring 2000 figures.

The WSU system reports a annualized student count of 18,709 FTE. The fall enrollment was 20,271 for an annual average of 19,490, just 381 or 1.9 percent off the budgeted total of 19,872.

WSU Spokane Leads Campuses with Increases in Student Numbers

Washington State University Spokane reports major increases in several student categories for spring 2001 as compared with the headcount a year ago.

The number of students in professional programs increased from 31 to 69, more than 122 percent. The junior and senior classes are up in numbers, while the graduate student number increased about 6 percent, from 302 to 320.

Full time equivalent enrollment increased 30 percent to 496, an increase of 114 FTE over spring 2000.

“We are very pleased by our continued growth at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,” Bill Gray, campus executive officer and dean at WSU Spokane, said. “Among other indicators of success, new programs such as our master’s of technology management and the executive track program in design-build management are growing rapidly.

“We are clearly meeting a need in the community for advanced specialty management degrees,” Gray added.

WSU Tri-Cities Spring Enrollment Increases to 1,078

Spring semester enrollment at Washington State University Tri-Cities is up more than 1.9 percent from last year and enrollments in the graduate school also saw significant increases.

Enrollment figures show the Richland campus has 1,078 individual students. Graduate programs saw more than an 8 percent increase, up from the 2000 spring total of 335 to 364 in 2001. Full time equivalent enrollment is up 6.2 percent to 616, a difference of 36 FTE from spring 2000.

“Our growth continues to be very strong in both business and teacher education,” said Larry James, campus executive officer and dean.

WSU Vancouver Continues Strong Growth in 2000-01 Academic Year

Spring enrollment numbers show that Washington State University Vancouver is continuing to grow. The spring 2001 enrollment headcount is 1,611 — a 9 percent increase from last year’s total of 1,478. FTE totals grew by 12.6 percent to 1,033, up 116 from spring 2000.

“This has been an exceptional year for WSU Vancouver,” said Nancy Youlden, director of student services. “Enrollment has remained strong from fall to spring, which shows me that awareness of our campus is increasing. It’s also apparent that more Oregonians are recognizing and taking advantage of the Border Bill, which allows them to pay in-state tuition if enrolled in eight credits or less.

“I believe we’re also just beginning to feel the impact of the opening of our new Engineering Life Sciences building, which houses our computer science, engineering and science programs,” she added.

WSU Vancouver has seen increasing enrollment since the campus was established in 1989.

sh112-01

Next Story

Birthday wishes for WSU’s 134th

Washington State University was founded on March 28, 1890. To celebrate WSU’s 134th birthday, all campuses got involved.

Recent News

Provost finalists visiting the week of April 1

Finalists in the process of interviewing for the position of provost and executive vice president will present to the public during their visits to WSU next week.

McCoy named interim WSU athletic director

A widely recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics, McCoy will serve while a national search is conducted for the next athletic director.

WSU to review administrative structure

President Kirk Schulz used his annual State of the University Address to highlight both achievements and challenges while also announcing a planned review of WSU’s administrative structure and academic programs.