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Largest class ever sets records

Diversity, test scores reach new highs

record-breaking 30,102 students enrolled at KU in fall 2008. The university also enrolled the largest, brightest and most diverse freshman class in its history.

The first-time freshman class, whose enrollment is 4,483, earned a record-high average ACT composite score of 24.8, topping the national average of 22.

The numbers

Overall: 30,102
Lawrence campus: 26,999
Medical Center: 3,103
Minority enrollment: 3,809
Entering freshman class: 4,483
Average ACT composite score for entering freshmen: 24.8

Beneficial enrollment

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Lariviere wrote about enrollment, its benefit to Kansas and the ongoing need for state support of higher in the Sept. 25 Kansas City Star.

"KU continues to be the first choice for a diverse group of dedicated and talented students," said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. "Our Four-Year Tuition Compact is an added attraction for this talented pool, because these freshmen and their families know that a first-rate education will remain affordable."

KU's multicultural enrollment has grown each year since 2002. It made major leaps this year, with 12.7 percent of KU students identifying themselves as American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, African-American or Latino.

Among first-time freshmen, minority enrollment increased 19.3 percent. Freshman African-American students increased by 27.8 percent and freshman Latino students increased by 23.4 percent, compared to fall 2007.

KU also increased the number of transfer students by 21 percent over fall 2007.

The overall enrollment at KU is a 2.9 percent increase over fall 2007. Enrollment at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, increased by 6.3 percent to a record 3,103. Multicultural enrollment at KUMC rose by 6.1 percent.

Lisa Kress

While some may be tempted to attribute the increase to KU's NCAA men's national basketball championship and the Orange Bowl championship, admissions director Lisa Kress said applications were higher all year and there was no spike in applications after these victories.

"These students were motivated by KU's strong academic rankings and overall reputation and were eager to attend KU before the athletic victories. KU is a great place to be," she said.

Hemenway agreed, saying: "Students come to the University of Kansas for the high-quality education. We have had many successes in classrooms, labs and offices on campus in addition to our athletic prowess. KU has an outstanding group of faculty, researchers and staff."

KU HISTORY:

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the "Great Society" legislation into law in October 1965. The bill was intended to improve the health, education and welfare of millions of Americans. While historians have differing opinions on the legislation's long-term effects, one outcome has benefited KU since its inception. The legislation allowed development of a continuing nursing education program that continues to this day. For more, visit www.kuhistory.com.