If it seems like campus is an endless flow of students hurrying to classes, to home or to hang out with friends lately, there’s a reason why. This year, more students than ever have been added to that flow.
For the first time in history, CSU reached an enrollment record of more than 34,000 students. Additionally, the 2019-20 incoming class is made up of over 1,200 first-generation students, according to a CSU SOURCE article.
“We are proud that more people than ever have chosen Colorado State University to learn and prepare themselves for their careers,” CSU President Joyce McConnell said. “And we are especially proud of the 1,200 first-generation scholars who, in the spirit of CSU’s land-grant mission, have chosen our campus and know that we are committed to their success as they take this important step in their lives.”
Enrollment has been growing steadily over the past five years and has increased by almost 2,000 students. In the same period, the number of total CSU undergraduate students has also grown by more than 2,000 students.
CSU-Global and CSU-Pueblo have also increased enrollment, and the three institutions have a combined record enrollment. More than 57,000 students are currently receiving an education from these institutions.
CSU-Pueblo showed an increase in graduate student enrollment, which can be credited to a new graduate program in social work and a doctor of nursing practice degree. CSU-Pueblo also offers a master’s in education online, which contributes to the 32% surge of graduate enrollment.
84% of students at CSU-Pueblo are from Colorado, and many of them are first-generation. More than half of the students at CSU-Pueblo are from traditionally underrepresented populations.
Every student who chooses CSU matters to us, and we are invested in seeing them through to graduation and on to successful lives and careers.” -Nancy Tuor, Board of Governors chair
CSU-Global, which is the nation’s first fully accredited, fully online university, currently has 19,083 students taking classes. Fifty eight percent of students are women, 28% are underserved minority students, 38% are first-generation and 14% are military members taking advantage of the accessibility of online school.
“These aren’t just numbers to us,” said Nancy Tuor, chair of the Board of Governors. “Every student who chooses CSU matters to us, and we are invested in seeing them through to graduation and on to successful lives and careers. To see that investment continue to attract some of Colorado’s brightest and most promising students is testament to the value of a CSU degree.”
CSU announced its record numbers of enrollment Oct. 4, which will be officially presented to the Board of Governors in December.
“This fall sets a record in student enrollment across our entire CSU System — pointing to the importance of our long-term investments in student success and an exceptional learning environment,” said Tony Frank, CSU system chancellor.
“From our stellar campus-based programs to fully online degrees and partnerships like the new Sturm Collaboration Campus with Arapahoe Community College and Douglas County, CSU is working to make outstanding education accessible across Colorado.”
Ceci Taylor can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @cecelia_twt.
