More students are finding the right fit at UNI

The University of Northern Iowa has released its official enrollment figures for fall 2015. Enrollment numbers are determined on students enrolled through the end of the 10th day of classes. UNI's total fall enrollment is 11,981, which is up 53 students from last year.

Officials report that new resident and non-resident students direct from high school is up more than 6 percent from last year. This is the third consecutive year that group has seen an increase, and is greater than last year's 4.4 percent increase in new freshman.

This is the first time in five years UNI has seen an increase in transfer students. Figures show that the group is up more than 8 percent from last year. New graduate students are also up from last year.

Highlights of the enrollment report include:

• An increase of 7.9 percent in total new students
• An increase of 6.6 percent in new students direct from high school
• An increase of 8.3 percent in new transfer students
• An increase of 21.4 percent in new graduate students
• An increase of 5.5 percent in new minority student enrollment; an increase of 5.3 percent in total minority student enrollment
• Total minority enrollment is at 9.4 percent, compared to 8.9 percent from last year

In addition, the university reported improvement in its 4- and 6-year graduation rates. The 4-year graduation rate is up from 39.2 percent to 39.8 percent. The 6-year graduation rate is 67.2 percent, which is the highest percent of any cohort since 2000.

"This year's enrollment numbers only validate that students find the right fit with right opportunities at the right university when they choose UNI," said UNI President Bill Ruud. "Our new students direct from high school figures show that we are heading in the right direction, and our efforts to recruit and graduate all students is making an impact.

"We're excited to enhance our high school visit schedule this fall, and our Panther Open Houses continue to be successful. We also implemented an inclusive new-student orientation this fall that was the first step in preparing students for college success. All of these programs and strategies to grow enrollment are a priority, but even more so is our commitment to our students and their educational experience. Our focus continues to be on providing the best undergraduate education in the state of Iowa.