Applications also rise as students seek affordable, high quality education
AMHERST - Sept. 18, 2013: Enrollment at the University of Massachusetts is projected to reach 71,988 students this fall, a record for the five-campus system, President Robert L. Caret said today.
The projected enrollment figure represents 1, 214 additional students or a 1.7 percent increase over the University's fall 2012 enrollment level, President Caret said at a UMass Board of Trustees meeting in Amherst.
``We are seeing more accomplished students this year, with average high school grade point averages and freshman average SAT scores rising, which we think reflects well on the high quality of education that UMass provides,'' President Caret said. ``Students know that when they walk through our doors, they will be guaranteed a high quality, affordable education that will provide the keys to their success.''
Enrollment at the University of Massachusetts has steadily climbed over the past six years, rising from 61,034 students in the fall 2007 to the current 71,988 projected headcount, an increase of 18 percent. Over the past decade, UMass student enrollment has risen by 14,519 students - or 25 percent - from the 57,469 students who were enrolled in the fall of 2003.
Applications are also on the rise. The four UMass campuses that admit undergraduate students - the Medical School in Worcester does not - received 73,058 applications for undergraduate admissions, a 5.4 percent increase over the 69,294 applications received the previous year.
``Demand for an education at the University of Massachusetts continues to be strong and that challenges us to continue to meet the very high expectations and standards of students and their families who are counting on us to deliver value and excellence on each of our campuses,'' President Caret said.
In other business, the UMass Board of Trustees approved a capital plan that authorizes spending up to $3.8 billion on campus construction and renovation projects over the next five years.
Contact: Ann Scales, 617-287-4084; Robert P. Connolly, 617-287-7073