Enrollment figures for higher education institutions in Idaho have shown a marked increase, contrasting with the national trend of declining freshman enrollment. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center recently reported a 5% decrease in overall freshman enrollment across colleges and universities across the United States. In contrast, higher education institutions in Idaho are experiencing a rise in student numbers.
Boise State University Enrollment Growth
Boise State University (BSU) recorded an 11.5% increase in first-time students from Idaho for the fall semester, culminating in a total enrollment of approximately 27,500 students. This figure represents a record high for the institution. The president of BSU, Dr. Marlene Tromp, noted the university’s ongoing efforts to address low college attendance rates within the state.
University of Idaho’s Historic Classes
The University of Idaho also reported significant growth, with an 8.3% increase in freshman enrollment, establishing this year’s incoming class as the largest in the institution’s history. This follows two consecutive years of record enrollments.
Lewis-Clark State College and ISU Developments
Lewis-Clark State College and Idaho State University (ISU) reported noteworthy enrollment increases as well. Lewis-Clark State College experienced a 16.5% growth in first-time students, while ISU welcomed its largest cohort of first-time undergraduates in a decade. ISU’s total enrollment now exceeds 13,000 students, reflecting a 3.5% increase compared to the previous fall.
ISU’s Strategic Planning
ISU has attributed this growth to strategic planning and a strong focus on student recruitment and retention initiatives. The university president, Robert Wagner, discussed the commitment to broadening the institution’s reach and its positive ramifications for the state’s economy.
Statewide Trends in Higher Education Confidence
Despite recent Gallup and Lumina Foundation polls indicating that only 36% of adults expressed confidence in higher education, statewide enrollment trends paint a different picture. At the University of Idaho, overall enrollment has reached 12,286, marking the seventh consecutive semester of growth, which includes a 13.5% increase in first-time graduate students.
Northern Idaho’s Enrollment Increases
In northern Idaho, both the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College saw enrollment increases, with LC State reporting a 3.5% rise in full-time students. College leadership expressed pride in the consistent upward trajectory, highlighting that the institutions’ offerings appeal to students seeking quality and affordable education options.
(Source: Idaho Business Review)
