Largest Freshman Class Ever Attending Colorado State University this Fall

Colorado State University admitted 4,093 freshmen this fall, the largest freshman class ever at the university, according to the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Access.

The number of in-state residents enrolling as freshmen grew 3.3 percent while out-of-state residents enrolling as freshmen grew 13.2 percent.

"We’re very excited about the size of this freshman class," said Robin Brown, vice president for Enrollment and Access. "Our freshman non-resident enrollment also rose over last year; clearly, students across the nation are attracted to the exceptional educational experience at Colorado State. State residents, however, comprise 80 percent of the freshman class, making us the school of choice for many Coloradans."

Overall enrollment for fall 2006 totaled 24,670 students including 20,500 undergraduates – down 1 percent from 24,947 in fall 2005.

Trends indicate Colorado State students are graduating more quickly, many in four years, Brown said, which can slightly decrease enrollment.

Brown came to Colorado State from Willamette University in May. She was hired as part of the campuswide reorganization announced last fall that emphasizes enrollment and access and also strengthens the university’s ability to achieve excellence in the areas of teaching and learning, retention and graduation, outreach and service, and marketing.

University officials have said student retention and graduation rates must remain a high priority. All elements of enrollment have been streamlined into one area, which enables the university to focus on service and marketing to prospective students, admitted students and parents.

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