KU sets record enrollment, new marks on retention and numbers of Kansans

LAWRENCE -- Fall 2003 enrollment at the University of Kansas hit a record high and set new marks for the number of Kansas residents and retention of first-year undergraduates, according to official figures released today.

According to 20th-day figures, overall KU enrollment rose 423, or 1.5 percent, to 29,272 students, eclipsing the record set in 1992.

"We're pleased to see students' continued vote of confidence in the quality of a KU education," said KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway.

KU also drew a record 19,993 Kansas residents, up 500 from last year and once again more than any other university in the state. Each of the state's 105 counties have students enrolled at KU.

The one-year retention rate for returning members of KU's 2002 freshman class was nearly 82 percent, the best on record.

"We're especially pleased to draw a record number of Kansas students and see another strong gain in first-year retention," said Marlesa Roney, vice provost for student success for the Lawrence campus.

Roney noted that KU continues to see enrollment growth even with recent tuition increases.

"Our top priority has been to address financial aid needs," she said. "We've devoted 20 percent of our tuition increase to need-based aid for deserving students. On the Lawrence campus, that's been a $5.2 million increase over two years, and I think we're seeing the results in our outstanding enrollment."

KU enrolled a first-time freshman class of 4,000-plus students for the fourth consecutive year. The freshman class increased by 66 students over fall 2002 to 4,140 freshmen.

Enrollment at the KU Medical Center rose 2.8 percent over the previous year to 2,458.