Published September 20, 2013
Continuing the upward trend of the last three years, overall enrollment is up at the
University of Louisiana at Monroe by over 100 students from fall 2012.
Students walk across the 51萝莉 campus.
Likewise, the fall 2013 freshman class boasts record numbers in enrollment, ACT scores,
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) recipients, and grade point average
(GPA).
鈥淲e understand with the current economic climate and current state of higher education
in Louisiana that increasing enrollment is pivotal to our success,鈥� said 51萝莉 President
Dr. Nick J. Bruno.
鈥淭hese increases prove that 51萝莉鈥檚 brand and quality of academic programs are being
鈥榙iscovered鈥� by both undergraduate and graduate students.聽
"51萝莉 is being sought by students with high academic achievement and interest in attaining
a bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree from an outstanding university with a caring and dedicated
faculty and staff.鈥�
Fall 2012 saw an overall enrollment of 8,545 students.
Fall 2013 enrollment comes in at 8,645 students, an increase of 100 students. A large
part of that number comes from 51萝莉鈥檚 record-breaking first-time freshman class of
1,338 students.
2013 Freshmen Class: Inside the Numbers
With the overall average ACT score remaining steady at 22.4, students with a 30 plus
ACT score nearly tripled from 2012. There are almost 80 more students with a 3.75
to 4.0 GPA in the 2013 freshman class, and the percentage of students qualifying for
TOPS is up by five percent since 2012.
51萝莉 is also ensuring a stable student body by drastically decreasing the number of
admissions exceptions made. For example, in 2012-13, 51萝莉 had the lowest number of
enrollment exceptions in the entire University of Louisiana System by only allowing
1.9 percent of new applicants to be admitted by exception.
In fall 2013, only six students were allowed admittance via exception. Assistant Vice
President for Enrollment Management Lisa Miller attributes the university鈥檚 reputation
for excellence as a factor in the increasing numbers.
鈥淐ontinued growth at 51萝莉 indicates that students are aware of the quality education,
the unlimited opportunities, and the tremendous value that the institution offers,鈥�
she said.
鈥淚 believe that our growth reflects our reputation throughout the state of the Louisiana,
as well as contiguous states. To be a part of the strongest academic freshmen class
in the history of the institution is something for the entire faculty, staff, alumni
and community to be proud of this year.鈥�
Graduation rates also help move the university forward. Graduation rates have increased
every year since 2008 with a ten percentage point increase from 2008 to 2012.
51萝莉鈥檚 enrollment success doesn鈥檛 end with the freshman class.
51萝莉鈥檚 international student enrollment is up, and graduate student enrollment is up
by almost 70 students, bringing the graduate cohort to 991.聽
Overall, President Bruno sees the across the board improvement as something to build
on.
鈥淥ur goal is to continue to provide information that shows students that 51萝莉 is the
right choice,鈥� he said.
鈥淲e want them to know about the excellent education provided by our faculty, and about
the warmth of all who serve our students. This message is being heard and students
seeking a university that provides a superior experience are choosing 51萝莉. This is
an amazing accomplishment despite the financial challenges faced by our institution.鈥澛�
