Slippery Rock University reported that 8,424 students are enrolled at the university this school semester, which is a 5.1% decrease from last year.

A news release from the university said an official count taken Sept. 13, the 15th day of classes, showed that undergraduate enrollment is at 6,921 students, which is down 6.6% from last year. Despite the overall loss, there are a record-breaking 1,503 graduate students enrolled this semester, and 168 students returned to the university after previously pausing their education — the highest number for a fall semester in five years.

“The pandemic brings about many challenges for all colleges and universities as well as students and their families,” chief enrollment management officer Amanda Yale said in the news release. “We continue to be encouraged by our record number of graduate students and the persistence of all our students.”

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.