Total enrollment at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette this semester, at 18,796 students, is the highest in the school’s history.
The total enrollment for the Fall 2014 semester, which includes a number of students in professional programs and credit-bearing continuing education courses, represents an increase of more than 3 percent over last fall, when 18,235 students enrolled.
Degree-seeking enrollment numbers also are up by more than 3 percent, with 17,195 students this semester, or 549 more than the 16,646 who enrolled for the Fall 2013 semester.
Dr. DeWayne Bowie, UL Lafayette’s vice president for Enrollment Management, said the increases come despite higher admissions standards that were implemented two years ago.
“The Fall 2014 numbers are an indication that the University’s enrollment is healthy, and that we are committed to admitting well-prepared students and providing the environment and opportunities they need to be successful,” Bowie said.
The number of out-of-state students rose significantly. This semester’s 1,442 students are 20 percent more than the 1,198 who enrolled last semester.
First-time freshmen enrollment numbers climbed this semester as well, to 2,922 students compared to 2,670 first-time freshmen last fall, a 9.4 increase.
Andy Benoit, director of undergraduate admissions and recruitment, said increased visits to high schools in Louisiana and other states, as well as recruitment efforts through social media, have helped to attract students.
“The Fall 2014 class of students represents a very diversified group. Not only is it the largest overall enrollment in the University’s history, but it represents one of the largest freshman classes that we have seen at the University.”
New transfer students who enrolled this semester also increased, by more than 2 percent, from 807 to 826 students.
More international students, 735 from about 40 nations, also enrolled this semester compared to last fall, when 695 students enrolled.