University of Hawaii System spring 2009 enrollment reaches all-time record high of 50,952

HONOLULU — The spring 2009 opening enrollment for the University of Hawaiʻi System reached an all-time record of 50,952, the highest spring enrollment in the institution‘s history. The previous opening enrollment high for spring was in 1995 at 48,538.

Compared to spring 2008, UH‘s preliminary opening credit enrollment figures increased by 2,706 students, or 5.6 percent. It is the second straight year that enrollment has increased after experiencing two years of decreases in 2006 and 2007.

"These record enrollments underscore the public‘s willingness to invest in education and training—especially in tough times. The demand for what the university offers is at an all-time high. Our campuses have been successful in promoting their programs, retaining, and recruiting students," said UH Vice President for Academic Planning & Policy Linda Johnsrud.

Spring enrollments increased at nine of the 10 UH campuses, as UH Mānoa posted a slight decrease of 50 students, or .3 percent, than at a comparable date in spring 2008, with a total enrollment of 18,768.

UH West Oʻahu experienced the largest percentage increase in enrollment of all UH campuses, with a total of 1,146 students, 18.1 percent or 176 more students, relative to a year ago. UH Hilo‘s opening spring enrollment increased to 3,677, with a gain of 232 students, or 6.7 percent, over the previous year.

Enrollment at the university‘s seven community colleges stands at 27,361, which is 2,348 students more or 9.4 percent above the previous year. Leeward Community College experienced the largest numerical increase of all UH campuses with 586 more students, or 10.2 percent, over last year for a total of 6,324. Maui Community College saw the largest percentage increase of the seven community colleges at 16 percent, which equals an increase of 457 students for a total enrollment of 3,309.

Hawaiʻi Community College enrollment is at 2,852, an increase of 384 students or 15.6 percent; Honolulu Community College enrollment stands at 4,013, an increase of 143 or 3.7 percent compared to last spring; Kapiʻolani Community College enrollment stands at 7,902, 451 more students than last spring or 6.1 percent; Kauaʻi Community College has 1,107 students enrolled, 150 more than last spring or 15.7 percent; and Windward Community College enrollment stands at 1,854, which is 177 more students than last spring or 10.6 percent.

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

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

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