Montana State University has set a new enrollment record with 12,369 students attending classes, MSU officials announced.
The 2008 headcount is 199 more students from 2007 and 31 more students than the previous record of 12,338, set in 2006.
"An increase of nearly 200 students from last year is very significant," said Allen Yarnell, MSU's vice president for student affairs.
MSU saw a large increase in graduate students and in high-achieving undergrads, Yarnell said.
Of undergrads, 58 scored in the 99th percentile of the ACT. Last year, there were 36 students in the 99th percentile.
Additionally, 105 of 204 Montana high school graduates offered Montana University System Honor Scholarships chose MSU - more than any other institution. The scholarship offers a tuition waiver for up to four years to any university or community college in the state.
"I think this is evidence that we offer an excellent education and are attracting very able students," Yarnell said.
MSU's graduate enrollment jumped 209 students from 1,327 in 2007 to 1,536. Most of those new students were in architecture, education, and the master's of science education programs.
"Strategic investments by the university, development of new programs and innovation in curricula and course delivery have helped us boost graduate enrollments," said Carl Fox, vice provost of graduate education.
Specifically, the university added slots for graduates in architecture, started a pilot program for elementary teachers seeking a master's of science education, and put curricula and course instruction on-line for elementary and secondary teachers pursuing a master's in education.
"We also need to give credit to the high quality of our faculty and our success in research for attracting these students," Fox said.
Contact: Allen Yarnell, MSU vice president for student affairs, 406-994-2828 or ayarnell@montana.edu
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