UIS sets record for fall enrollment

Enrollment at the University of Illinois Springfield this fall is the largest ever in the institution’s 39-year history. The total number of enrolled students at UIS is 4,961. It is a 5% increase (250 students) over last fall’s total of 4,711 students.

“We are very excited about the fall enrollment numbers. They demonstrate the value attached to the high quality education UIS delivers for students from all over Illinois. These numbers are attained by programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, in many academic areas. And this in spite of some very tough economic conditions. We are most gratified,” said Chancellor Richard Ringeisen.

There are 3,027 undergraduates at UIS this fall, compared to 2,889 last fall. UIS has 1,934 graduate students, which is 112 more than last fall.

“The retention of students continuing their education at UIS continues to grow, which reflects the quality of education that is offered here,” said Admissions Associate Director Lori Giordano.

Additionally, the university has a record number of students living on campus this fall. There are 1,089 students living in the UIS apartments, townhouses, and Lincoln and Founders residence halls compared to 1,030 last fall.

Online learning grows in popularity

Online programs at UIS are continuing to experience overall growth, according to Ray Schroeder, Director of the Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service.

More than one-fourth of the student body at UIS is majoring in online degree or certificate programs, with online majors totaling 1,301. This represents an increase of 8.4% from last fall’s 1,200 online majors.

“Online enrollments at UIS have increased for a remarkable 33 semesters and summer sessions in a row,” Schroeder noted. “This fall’s numbers once again included significant increases in the number of students majoring in online degree and certificate programs. UIS has built a national reputation for excellence in online teaching and quality online degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.”

General online enrollments are also higher than last fall, with 4,300 students enrolled in at least one online class, compared to 3,875 last year – an increase of almost 11%. Online enrollments, also called seat counts, are the total number of seats that are filled in online classes.

With increases in online enrollment, UIS is also seeing a 10% increase in faculty members who are teaching an online class, with 154 this fall compared to 140 in fall 2008.

“While the growth of the online program at UIS has spanned more than a decade, recent increases seem to be fueled by the economic downturn. The quality of UIS online classes, coupled with the flexibility and accessibility of the classes, has made UIS online an attractive option for students seeking to advance their education while continuing to work,” Schroeder said.