UH system enrollment declines slightly after four years of growth

Nine of 10 UH campuses see decline in enrollment; UH Hilo posts only increase

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Carolyn Tanaka, (808) 956-9803
Mia Noguchi, (808) 956-9095
External Affairs & University Relations
Posted: Feb 1, 2006

HONOLULU — According to preliminary opening enrollment figures, there are 46,392 students enrolled at campuses throughout the University of Hawaiʻi system for the spring semester. The amount reflects a decrease of 1,087, or 2.3 percent, fewer student enrollments than spring 2005 and the first decrease in spring enrollments after four years of steady growth.

UH Hilo posted the only gain for the semester with an enrollment of 3,269, an increase of 53 students or 1.6 percent over a year ago. UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu enrollments remained fairly flat compared to spring 2005 while the community college campuses experienced a range of decreased enrollments.

"Hawaiʻi‘s unemployment rate continues to be the lowest in the nation, and flat enrollment, particularly at the community colleges, is reflective of a strong economy in which individuals have options on whether to accept job offers or further their education," said UH Vice President for Academic Planning and Policy Linda Johnsrud.

UH Mānoa‘s enrollment this spring semester stands at 19,081, which is 80 fewer students compared to a year ago, or 0.4 percent. UH West Oʻahu‘s enrollment stands at 803, a decrease of 2 students, or 0.2 percent, compared to a year ago.

Enrollment at the university‘s community colleges totals 23,239, which is down from a year ago by 1,058 or 4.4 percent. Compared to spring 2005, all seven campuses experienced decreases ranging from 1.9 percent to 10.2 percent.

Hawaiʻi CC experienced the largest numerical and percentage decrease in enrollment with 238 fewer students, or 10.2 percent. The campus‘ total enrollment for spring 2006 is 2,098 students.

Honolulu CC enrollment stands at 3,815 students, a decrease of 180 or 4.5 percent compared to last spring; Kapiʻolani CC has 6,744 students enrolled, 195 fewer than last spring or 2.8 percent; Kauaʻi CC has 956 students enrolled, 104 fewer than last spring or 9.8 percent; Leeward CC enrollment stands at 5,381, a decrease of 130 or 2.4 percent compared to a year ago; Maui CC registered 2,643 students, 180 fewer or 6.4 percent; and Windward CC registered 1,602 students, 31 fewer than a year ago or 1.9 percent.

Separately, more than 27,000 registrations in non-credit programs are expected throughout the UH system.

For more information, visit: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/app/opp/openenroll/