Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 2013 fall semester began today highlighted by a projected record total enrollment of more than 1,400 students in the School of Engineering. Undergraduate programs in the Schools of Education (4.5 percent), Business (3.9 percent) and Nursing (2.6 percent) all are enjoying enrollment increases.
The School of Engineering’s projected total enrollment has climbed 12 percent (127 students) since last fall and 34 percent (352 students) during the past six years. Dean Hasan Sevim has overseen steady growth from 1,048 total students in 2008. The School also is experiencing a rise in the ACT scores. This year’s 143 freshmen directly admitted into the School had average math and composite ACT scores of 28.5 and 27.5, respectively.
“Ultimately, we have faculty dedicated to teaching excellence and mentoring,” Sevim stated. “Our reputation in teaching and research is spreading fast, and our 2+2 agreements with regional community colleges are providing highly qualified students. Plus, we have a growing international reputation with exemplary cooperation from our overseas partners.”
“With our Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine at capacity, the interest in our professional schools reflects that prospective students are making decisions based upon career aspirations,” said Scott Belobrajdic, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management.
The new freshman class average ACT (23.1) increased three-tenths of a point over last year and is the highest in University history. The increase is seven-tenths of a point better than 2011.
“Our new direct entry options in business, engineering, nursing and pharmacy attracted 170 first time freshmen entering the University, which had a direct impact on the average ACT,” Belobrajdic said. “Their mean ACT is 28. Direct entry allows us to compete for high achieving students who were opting for direct admit options with private and public competitors in previous years.”
The School of Education also is developing early-entry options for students interested in its undergraduate programs.
New transfers are up to 1,252 students, an increase of 27, which is the highest since 2006.
“An increase in transfer students is a trend that we expect to see continue as families consider financing a college education,” Belobrajdic said. “The debt accrued to attend college is a highly visible issue, and families are analyzing options to minimize their cost. So, attending a community college to obtain transferable credits and then transferring into a four-year university is a viable option. SIUE’s positive relationships with local and area community colleges benefit all parties in those situations.”
SIUE Fall 2013 Projected* Enrollment Facts & Figures
- Undergraduate enrollment is up 10.4 percent (111 students) in the School of Engineering
- Undergraduate enrollment is up 4.5 percent (49 students) in the School of Education
- Undergraduate enrollment is up 3.9 percent (40 students) in the School of Business
- Undergraduate enrollment is up 2.62 percent (26 students) in the School of Nursing
- New transfer students are up 2 percent (27 students)
- Total new students (freshmen, transfers and international) exceeds 3,000 for 11th consecutive year
- Freshman Enrollment: 1,963
- Total undergraduate enrollment is down 1.1 percent
- Total graduate and professional enrollment is down 4 percent
- Total Projected 2013-14 Enrollment: 13,825, which ranks fifth all-time at SIUE
*Figures are fluid until 10-day census figures confirmed on Sept. 3
Belobrajdic pointed to a decline in high school populations in Illinois and throughout SIUE’s recruiting base as a critical factor for the smaller freshman class this year.
The School of Education’s graduate program accounts for the majority of the decrease in graduate enrollment.
Belobrajdic acknowledged that one of the most challenging aspects of this year’s enrollment trends has been reflected in graduate programs specific to K-12 audiences. These challenges are due in large part to the state’s current economic climate resulting in school budget cutbacks and decreases in professional funding for teachers.
Also impacting graduate enrollments are new state requirements regarding the preparation of school-based administrators, which have been implemented to increase quality and reduce the number of licensed principals in the state through legislated higher program admission requirements and rigorous program standards.
SIUE’s School of Education is proactively meeting the current needs of districts and teachers by offering endorsements in high need specializations, as well as providing flexible scheduling options including online and hybrid courses and programs taught off campus to enhance access.