University Park, Pa. -- Enrollment at Penn State for the fall semester 2006 is 83,721, the largest in the institution's history, surpassing the previous high of 83,177 in fall 2003. Nearly all of the University's 24 campuses experienced enrollment increases this year over the fall 2005 figures.
At University Park, this fall's enrollment is 42,039 students in residence. In addition there are another 875 students who are away from the State College area in various Education Abroad programs, internships and co-ops, and other off-site programs, including Continuing Education.
"Penn State experienced an unprecedented University-wide pool of more than 94,500 applications, which we believe to be the largest in the history of American higher education," said Rod Erickson, executive vice president and provost of Penn State.
"Penn State's popularity has grown dramatically, and this year a higher than normal percentage of students who were offered admission chose to attend Penn State, a clear sign of the value that students and their parents attach to a Penn State degree."
Many areas of Pennsylvania have seen declines in recent years in the number of high school graduates, and that trend is expected to continue. The increase in enrollment at most Penn State campuses is a very positive indicator of the University's appeal in the face of these demographic trends.
"Penn State's high quality faculty and access to technology create outstanding student learning environments. The University has also invested in new facilities at most of the campuses in recent years. We believe this is having a positive impact on the increase in
enrollment at Penn State campuses across the Commonwealth," Erickson said.
Campuses other than University Park which saw increases this year of 100 or more students include Altoona, Berks, Erie, Fayette and Mont Alto.
The good news for Penn State continues on many different fronts. The school recently announced that membership in the Alumni Association increased again last year and it remains the largest in the nation, with more than 159,000 dues-paying members. Research dollars at Penn State have increased significantly in recent years and the institution remains one of the largest university research centers in the country.
"The positive economic impact of Penn State on the Commonwealth and communities across the state has been huge, and this fall's enrollment news indicates that impact is stronger than ever in 2006," Erickson said.
A chart outlining enrollment figures for all Penn State campuses can be downloaded at http://live.psu.edu/still_life/2006_enrollment/index.html online.