SRU enrollment slips slightly officials call it only a 'blip'
SLIPPERY ROCK — The numbers are in. According to Slippery Rock University's official report, 8,824 students are attending SRU this semester.
For fall 2018, SRU enrolled 7,538 undergraduate and a record 1,286 graduate students compared to 2017's enrollment of 7,638 undergraduate and 1,257 graduate students. Graduate student enrollment is up 29 students, or 2.3 percent, from one year ago. Undergraduate student enrollment decreased by 100 students or 1.31 percent from fall 2017.
Overall, SRU saw an enrollment decline of less than 1 percent from the fall 2017 high-water mark of 8,895 students. That tally established the university's all-time enrollment record.
“No one enjoys seeing an enrollment decrease regardless of how small the number may be,” said SRU President William Behre. “But at the same time, no one is overly concerned with such a small blip, which is really what this is, especially when you consider the continuing demographic decline of high school graduates.”
Overall, total in-state enrollment decreased by 47 students (7,857 compared to 7,904). Graduate student in-state enrollment increased 1.95 percent, to 1,097 students, while out-of-state posted a 3.93 percent, or seven-student bump.
Total undergraduate credit hours generated are down slightly, dropping 1.11 percent, graduate total credit hours were flat with 10,611.5 hours.
“New market-driven academic programs, merit- and need-based scholarships, a culture focused on student success and a very vibrant living and learning environment are the features that combine to help set SRU apart from other institutions when you look at universities today,” said Amanda Yale, associate provost for enrollment management. “That's a big reason our numbers have remained near steady from a year ago.”
There are 5,171 women on campus, down 1.62 percent and 3,653 men, an increase of 0.38 percent from last year.
The university also showed diversity growth with increases in American Indian/Alaskan Native (12.5 percent); Asian (7.59 percent); Hispanic (10 percent); two or more races (1.26 percent) and unknown (34.86 percent) students.
