NAU continues record enrollment trend

Union food

Bolstered by increases in virtually every category, Northern Arizona University’s enrollment reached new heights for fall 2008.

NAU recorded a total student population of 22,507, a 5.4 percent increase over last year’s record total of 21,352.

The university’s enrollment has increased about 17 percent in five years, from 19,199 in fall 2003 to today’s record-breaking number.

Enrollment grew in freshmen, transfer, undergraduate, statewide and online, minority and international students. The Flagstaff campus itself reached 14,766 over last year’s 13,989.
First time and continuing freshmen enrollment climbed 17.3 percent to a record 5,213 over last year’s class of 4,443.

Enrollment“We are extremely happy to see enrollment growth,” said NAU President John Haeger. “To keep our state and country moving forward, Arizona must continue to produce more baccalaureate degrees to prepare the skilled workforce Arizona needs.”

Out-of-state enrollment increased from 4,254 to 4,447, a 10.7 percent jump. In-state enrollment grew from 17,098 to 17,796, a 4.1 percent increase. Statewide and online enrollment increased from 6,720 to 7,110, a 5.8 percent increase.

NAU’s efforts to recruit international students are reflected in an increase of 10.5 percent in international enrollment, from 458 to 506.

“Making Northern Arizona University accessible and affordable to Arizona students is the first important step to the university’s success,” Haeger said.

NAU recently introduced two programs that aid in enrollment growth and student retention. NAU’s Pledge offers new undergraduates eight semesters of locked-in tuition, providing students predictability in their education costs. Dining and residence hall rates have been locked in for two years.

In addition to the new undergraduates who automatically have the guaranteed tuition, 634 continuing students have voluntarily joined the guaranteed tuition initiative.

“The Pledge speaks directly to the issue of affordability, provides much-needed predictability and a tangible incentive for students to finish in four years,” said David Bousquet, vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

The other program is NAU’s Finish in Four graduation plan, which promises to provide students the advisement help and courses necessary to obtain their degree within four years.

The student count represents the “21-day count” Arizona universities use to determine their official enrollments.

View the complete enrollment report on the Planning, Budget and Institutional Research web site.