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UT enrollment up 2 percent as diversity, academic numbers rise

For the third consecutive semester student enrollment is up at The University of Toledo and officials say they are particularly excited that the gains are accompanied by increases in diversity and academic preparedness for the incoming class.

Across all campuses, UT’s student count stood at 21,119, up 2.0 percent from last fall’s mark of 20,713. Perhaps even more encouraging, full-time equivalency – the total number of credit hours divided by 15, the state-defined full-time course load – was up 2.8 percent from last year. FTEs often convey a more accurate representation of the way enrollment affects UT’s fiscal picture.

“More and more students are choosing The University of Toledo and that’s a reflection of where this University is headed,” said Lawrence J. Burns, vice president for enrollment services, marketing and communication. “The profile of the incoming class is stronger academically and the increased numbers of underrepresented students will create better living-learning opportunities for the entire campus community.”

In addition to an increase of 110 new African-American students – a 22.4 percent rise, UT experienced a 13.5 percent gain in direct from high school admissions, standing at 3,595 after a 427-student increase. The number of new adult students rose by 80 admits, a 26.2 percent gain, and the College of Nursing saw its numbers rise by 25 percent, or 235 students. Nearly all academic areas saw increases.

The average composite ACT score and high school grade point average also rose, said Kevin Kucera, associate vice president for enrollment services, and a focused enrollment push in Michigan attracted dozens of students from a previously untapped region.

However, “In the end it all comes down to the staff,” Kucera said. “The recruiters and everyone in enrollment services worked so hard all year to get to this point. But it’s also the professors and staff members who met with students during Rocket Launch or interacted with them on campus. Maximizing positive experiences for prospective students is everyone’s job and people have really taken that to heart.”

“This University has over the last 18 months worked to define excellence to where it becomes more actionable, more tangible, more than just a slogan,” said UT President Lloyd Jacobs. “Excellence is that which those with choice choose, and it’s clear that students, in increasing numbers, are seizing the opportunity for a top-notch education.”

Meanwhile, Burns made clear that UT is already pressing ahead as it strategizes for additional enrollment gains next year.

“We’ve had a great year, and now the goal is to prove that we can achieve this level of growth consistently,” he said.

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