University Enrollment, SCH Show State Record Gains

In official 12th class day enrollment reports submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), Texas A&M International University Spring 1997 enrollment is up 6.08% and semester credit hours are up 7.8%.

This fall's enrollment is 2,840, up from 2,677 last Fall. Semester Credit Hours (SCH) are 25,506, up from 23,650 last Fall.

The enrollment percentage increase is the highest among all Texas universities according to preliminary Fall enrollment figures released by the THECB this week.

Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness Mary Trevino said that while many Texas institutions reported flat or decreased growth, A&M International continues to post impressive gains.

"Enrollment across the state fell at 19 institutions and only grew at 16. Among the institutions reporting enrollment drops were University of Texas campuses in Arlington, Brownsville, El Paso, San Antonio and the Permian Basin, and A&M campuses in Kingsville, Galveston and Texarkana. Of the A&M campuses, A&M International has the highest enrollment percentage increase," she said.

Trevino credited the A&M International enrollment increase to degree program growth, the campus' continued expansion, aggressive recruitment efforts and community support.

"We continue to bring new degree programs forward that are addressing students needs, the campus' growth is a dynamic physical indicator of progress, our recruiters have strong campus presence throughout the area and the community itself has provided support ranging from student recruitment and scholarship gifts to building and program support," she said.

Trevino noted that four-year University degrees are now the entry level standard in most professions and many University graduates are the first in their family earning undergraduate degrees.

"We are seeing an average of 50% of each semester's graduates earning a Bachelor's degree and being the first in their family to do so. It's very exciting for us as faculty, administrators, staff and students to watch this community's human capital grow with A&M International and take its place in helping to partner the future growth of our region and our world," she said.

Other interesting information on the students at A&M International this semester shared by Trevino included that 63% of the student body is female, 27 countries are represented and the average undergraduate student age is 25.5. In addition, 90% of the student body is minority (Hispanic, Black), 69% undergraduate and 31% graduate.

Early registration for the Spring Semester 1998 is October 27 through Nov. 14.

For additional information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 326-2250.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu