News Release

BOISE STATE NEWS RELEASE/September 11, 2008

Boise State Once Again Posts Record Fall Enrollment

Boise State University has once again achieved a record-breaking year with the state’s largest enrollment for higher education institutions. The numbers, based on enrollment on the 10th day of classes, not only point to a growing student body, but also to a continuing commitment to quality and diversity.

For the 12th time in the past 13 years, Boise State has set an all-time record for Idaho higher education institutions with 19,667 students — 127 students more than last year’s fall enrollment of 19,540 students and almost 4,000 students or a 24.9 percent increase in enrollment from 10 years ago. This comes on top of a record number of graduates — a total of 2,677 academic students during 2007-08.

At the same time, the university has continued its transformation into a metropolitan research university of distinction by attracting more diverse and high-ability students. Enrollment of underrepresented students is up nearly 3 percent and enrollment of new international students is up 25 percent.

This year’s student body includes a record 21 National Merit Finalists, including 10 incoming National Merit Scholars. With these new students, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation acknowledged Boise State’s commitment to recruiting academically talented students by officially naming the university a National Merit sponsor school. Boise State earned this designation in just two years, the shortest time possible.

In addition, 85 students qualified for a National Smart Grant, a federal program designed to encourage students with financial need to major in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. More than 37 percent of incoming freshmen have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher. Almost 36 percent of newly enrolled freshmen ranked in the top quarter of their high school class. Over the past five years, the academic profile (GPA, ACT and class rank) of new freshmen has continually improved, with the average freshman reporting a GPA of 3.35.

“Our strong enrollment numbers point to Boise State University’s increasing reputation for offering excellent classroom instruction as well as enhanced research opportunities,” said Michael Laliberte, Boise State’s vice president for student affairs. “Our attractive academic and student life programs continue to appeal to high-achieving students from Idaho, the nation and beyond.”

Other points of interest regarding Boise State’s fall enrollment include:
• Graduate student enrollment is up 243 students, or 13 percent
• Incoming graduate students are up 151 students or 28.6 percent
• Full-time equivalent students are up 294 students, or 2.1 percent, meaning that students are taking more classes
• The number of students taking one or more online classes is up 212 students, or almost 6 percent
• The number of students who are Idaho residents is 88.3 percent
• The number of students working toward a second undergraduate degree rose 4.1 percent
• International students enrollment stands at 349
• Boise State students come from all 50 states and more than 60 countries
• This year’s student body saw increases in every class except juniors, which stayed the same. Freshmen enrollment is up 5.6 percent, sophomores are up 2.4 percent and seniors are up 5 percent

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Media Contacts: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu; Frank Zang, University Communications, (208) 426-5391, frankzang@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu. 
 

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email communications@boisestate.edu

Last reviewed on Friday, September 12, 2008