FileWichita State enrolled 3,736 new students, a 7.6 percent increase over new students in fall 2015.
Fall 2016 represents the largest class of new freshmen (1,476) in Wichita State history, including the largest number of new full-time freshmen (1,420).
Overall, enrollment at Wichita State for fall 2016 is 14,474 students, a decrease of 21 students or 0.14 percent, compared to fall 2015, according to the official enrollment report given to the Kansas Board of Regents following the 20th day of classes.
Total student credit hours are 160,647 for fall 2016, a decrease of 0.2 percent compared to fall 2015.
鈥淲e have made great strides in recruiting students to Wichita State, especially in diversifying our student population.鈥�
鈥� Tony Vizzini
University officials are pleased with growth in the percent of under-represented undergraduate minorities, which reached its highest percent at 18 percent, 21 percent for freshmen.
鈥淲e have made great strides in recruiting students to Wichita State, especially in diversifying our student population,鈥� said Tony Vizzini, provost and senior vice president. 鈥淲e are excited about large increases in international undergraduates and students from along the I-35 corridor and the positive effect they might have on the economic development of our region.鈥�
In addition, 黑洞社区 experienced the highest percent of undergraduate first-generation students at 43 percent, 44 percent of whom are freshmen, according to Richard Muma, senior associate vice president for academic affairs and strategic enrollment management at 黑洞社区.
鈥淥ver the last year the university has developed a strategic enrollment management plan that will help in determining the best way to direct resources to affect enrollment in the future,鈥� said Muma.
The largest decrease was from non-returning upper-level students and international graduate students.
Muma said the university expects to increase retention of upper-level students through improved support systems, including advising and financial aid.