UIS reports highest enrollment in history

Tops 5,000 students for the 5th year 

Fall 2014 enrollment at the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois is up by nearly 300 students compared to the previous fall semester. According to the official fall census, the total number of students enrolled at UIS after the first 10 days of classes is 5,431.

That makes it the largest student body in UIS history and the fifth year enrollment has topped 5,000 students. Last fall’s enrollment was 5,137. The previous highest enrollment record was 5,174 students set in fall 2010.

“One of our highest priorities has been growing our enrollment, and we are pleased with this fall’s census. When students and families make the decision to pursue their educational goals at UIS, they know they will receive a high quality educational experience at the same time they are earning their University of Illinois diploma,” said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch.

There are also more students living on the UIS campus this semester. A total of 1,074 students live in campus housing, which means campus housing is 97.4% occupied.

“We continue to enhance student life on campus and our numbers obviously reflect that. It also shows the greater need for student housing on and near our campus. We continue to work with developers on plans to bring additional living space along the 11th street area,” added Koch.

Overall, the diversity of the student body is also growing. The number of international students enrolled at UIS increased by over 115% this semester. There are 827 international students enrolled at UIS this semester. Many of the students came to UIS from India and China. Computer Science and Management Information Systems are the most common majors chosen by international students.

The number of African American students enrolled grew by over 3.5%. There are a total of 634 African American students this semester compared to 612 in fall 2013. Students who self-identify as Hispanic comprise 4.8% (262) of this year’s student body.

Growth in online learning also continues, with a total of 1,689 students enrolled in online degree or certificate programs, a 4.9% increase over fall 2013. This semester, UIS online students reside in 48 of the 50 states, 70 counties in Illinois, and 9 foreign countries.

UIS is one of three campuses of the University of Illinois and provides students with a high-quality liberal arts education, exceptional public affairs opportunities, and outstanding professional preparation programs.

UIS has four core strengths: (1) a teaching-focused academic experience; (2) an abundance of opportunities to collaborate; (3) a right-sized supportive community; and (4) a tradition of educating public servants and leaders.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, director of public relations at 217/206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.