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> MSU News
MSU sets enrollment record
October 12, 2009 -- MSU News Service
Montana State University set an enrollment record this fall, with 12,764 students attending classes, MSU officials announced today.
MSU has set enrollment records in three out of the last four years. The 2009 headcount is 395 more students than the previous record, set in 2008.
Significantly, the university has a record number of freshmen enrolled, 2,281. The previous record of 2,225 was set in 2005.
"A big freshman class is a vote of confidence. Both Montana residents and out-of-state students are choosing us," said MSU President Geoff Gamble.
A 20 percent increase in Native American freshmen helped set the record. The number of Native American freshmen rose from 54 students in 2008 to 65 students this fall. Overall, Native American enrollment is at a historic high of 377 students - a 79 percent increase since Gamble took office in 2000. Increasing Native American enrollment has been one of his primary objectives.
"All our students receive a great education here, with hands-on opportunities to do cutting-edge research or explore creative endeavors in the humanities - both preparing them well for their careers after college," Gamble said.
Not only is it MSU's largest entering freshman class, but on average, it is also the brightest.
The average ACT score of this fall's, full-time, entering freshman is 25.14. A common measure of a student's academic accomplishment in high school, the ACT scale is from 0 to 36.
This fall's full-time freshmen have an average ACT score 0.7 higher than the university's previous record holders, the entering class of 2008. Since 1998, the university has never seen a jump in ACT scores greater than 0.3 from class to class.
"This is remarkable. MSU is seeing an unprecedented jump in the quality of its entering, full-time freshman," said Allen Yarnell, vice president of student affairs.
Additionally, 58 entering freshmen scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. One freshman had a perfect score. Together, they make up the largest group of top-scoring ACT students ever in an MSU freshman class.
"We have committed staff; we have superb faculty; and we prepare our students for great success. Quality students recognize that," Yarnell said.
Since 2006, MSU has been the only university in the five-state region of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and North and South Dakota to meet the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's criteria for the highest research classification. Since 2000, research funding earned by the university has grown 61 percent, from $61 million to $98.4 million in fiscal year 2009.
Last year, MSU's research directly provided $7.76 million in undergraduate and graduate salaries, benefits, scholarships and fellowships. Additionally, two MSU students won Goldwater Scholarships last year, the nation's premier scholarship for undergraduates studying math, natural sciences and engineering. MSU is ranked 11th nationally for Goldwater winners, just behind Yale and MIT.
"On top of all we have to offer academically, MSU students get to live in this beautiful setting that is the Rocky Mountains. That's part of our message and we believe it's being heard," Gamble said. "We are Trout U and the University of the Yellowstone. That's very appealing to students."
In the past six years, MSU has been ranked No. 1 in the country by Fly Rod & Reel magazine for undergrads angling for an education near trout streams; No. 5 in Outside magazine's "40 Best College Towns;" No. 4 ski town by Skiing magazine, and in the top 10 hunting and fishing universities by Outdoor Life magazine. Bozeman was named one of top three cities for an adventurer to start a family in the October 2009 issue of National Geographic Adventure.
MSU also has a good reputation among employers, which translates into opportunities for graduates, Gamble said.
"Because of the quality of education our students receive and their work ethic, MSU employers routinely attend our career fair in greater numbers than many schools in nearby states," Gamble said. "This fall, MSU had the largest university career fair in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Oregon. That's quite an accomplishment in this economy."
Attracting a record class is no easy feat and requires a commitment from the university's faculty and staff, Yarnell said.
"They have really done a great job to make this enrollment record happen," Yarnell said. "Our students and our alumni have also played an important part in promoting the university."
Yarnell also gave credit to the Bozeman community.
"From businesses to residents, Bozeman is very hospitable to our students and supportive of the university," Yarnell said. "That's invaluable in recruitment and we're very grateful for that support."
Contact: Geoff Gamble, 406-994-2343; Allen Yarnell, 406-994-2828
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