NCTA Tops University System Enrollment Increase

     (Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 7, 2006) -- Enrollment at the University of
Nebraska increased for the second year in a row, with the major gains
coming in first-time freshmen and non-resident enrollment. Total student
enrollment increased by .8 percent, from 45,477 to 45,819, while total
student credit hours increased by .8 percent. The number of first-time
freshmen increased by 3.0 percent, and non-resident enrollment increased
3.4 percent.
     “We’ve been successful in some important areas, including enrolling
more first-time full-time freshmen, which is in keeping with our ongoing
efforts to increase the college-going rate in Nebraska,” NU President J.B.
Milliken said. He added, “The fall enrollment figures show some encouraging
trends, including increases in non-resident students and in the number of
graduate and professional students university-wide. However, the total
increase of less than one percent clearly reflects a need to strengthen our
efforts in recruiting and retaining students.”
     With the governor’s leadership, the university and others in
education, government and the private sector are partnering to develop
strategies to increase Nebraska’s college-going rate. Nebraska ranks 17th
in the U.S. in the percentage of high school graduates who go on to college
(58.8 percent) – despite being ranked 5th in high school graduation rates
(83.8 percent)*. “Nebraska’s future depends on an educated workforce,”
Milliken said, “As the state's demographics change, it will become
increasingly important for the university to ensure affordable access to a
quality education for all Nebraskans."

     Quick enrollment statistics:
     Total undergraduate enrollment: + 0.1%
     First-time freshmen: + 3.0%
     Graduate enrollment: + 3.2%
     Professional enrollment: + 0.5%
     Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) enrollment: + 3.8%
     Non-resident enrollment: + 3.4%
     Resident enrollment: + 0.2%
     UNL total enrollment: + 2.0%
     UNMC total enrollment: + 2.2%
     UNO total enrollment: - 1.3%
     UNK total enrollment: + 0.4%