The University of Idaho reported an increase in fall enrollment on Tuesday, while Lewis-Clark State College reported a slight decrease.
UI saw total enrollments soar 4.7 percent that year, from 10,791 students in Fall 2020 to 11,303 in October.
The school benefited from the largest freshmen student class in five years – a 16.2 percent year-over-year increase to 1,656. There has also been an increase in transfer students, foreign and international student enrollments, and graduate enrollments.
“We are motivated by the increase in enrollments, especially given the challenges of the pandemic,” said UI President Scott Green in a press release. “Students and their families appreciate the value of a great education and know that being part of the Vandal family is special.”
Total enrollment at LCSC fell 3.8 percent to 3,710. However, the school saw a 53 percent increase in international enrollment, with students coming from 32 different countries. There was also a 3 percent increase in non-resident students, a 48 percent increase in Asotin County students, and a 7.1 percent increase in Hispanic enrollment.
“The rise in international enrollment is very encouraging as it could mean a return to more normal international enrollment patterns,” LCSC President Cynthia Pemberton said in a press release. “The rise for non-residents is also encouraging as it means the accessibility, affordability, and quality of LC State is spreading beyond the Idaho border.”
The total number of students taking part in the LCSC for the first time – whether on campus, online or through dual credit – has increased by a little more than 1 percent compared to this time in the past year.
At the UI, the total number of undergraduate enrollments rose 0.4 percent compared to 2020. These include the large freshmen class and an 11.7 percent increase in transfer students, the 10.6 percent increase in foreign student enrollments and the increase of international students by 38 percent.
“Our current student mix is changing rapidly,” said Dean Kahler, Vice Province of Strategic Enrollment Management. “Our marketing and pricing are in line with the market outside of the state. We appreciate the response from non-residents and believe that non-residents will be drawn to the UI’s second year running as the cheapest public university in the West as rated by US News and World Report. “
The number of graduates rose by 8.2 percent to 1,947 compared to the previous year. According to the press release, the university was “investing in more competitive packages for academic assistants, leading to increased interest in graduate programs”. It also improved professional development opportunities for PhD students, making the UI a more attractive place for advanced degrees.
Enrollment for two credit high school students enrolled in college credit classes also rose nearly 20 percent that year to 1,641.
