September 13, 2004

Mesa State Enrolls a Record 6,181 Students for Fall 2004

Grand Junction, CO - With a record fall enrollment of 6,181 students, Mesa State College continues to be one of the fastest growing public four-year institutions in Colorado. This increased enrollment represents a growth of 7.2 percent over fall 2003.

"The record number of students attending Mesa State this fall is a direct reflection of our ability to provide an exceptional student-focused, teaching-oriented learning environment," said Tim Foster, president of Mesa State College. "This, in combination with our affordable tuition and great location, makes this college very attractive to students."

Since fall 2000, Mesa State's enrollment has increased from 5,212 to 6,181 students and, based on past and present figures, this growth trend is projected to continue. More than 1,400 of this year's students are first-time undergraduates, an increase of 250 students or 22 percent over fall 2003. Additionally, nearly 300 more students than last year are enrolled full-time. To accommodate these students, the college added 29 sections of courses, primarily in the arts and sciences. This semester's record enrollment also includes a gain of 2 percent in students who are 25 years of age or older and a 4 percent increase in students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. Seventy percent of the overall student body originates from Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Garfield and Jefferson counties.

"More and more people are recognizing the value of a college education and its direct impact on income and quality of life," said Dr. Carol Futhey, interim vice president for academic affairs. "As western Colorado's designated education provider, Mesa State is making higher education opportunities accessible across the region and people are responding in record numbers."

With a consistently growing student body, the Mesa State College Board of Trustees and administration are looking to not only expand the physical borders of the main campus, but also increase the college's ability to reach out into the region. In addition to traditional classroom delivery, Mesa State currently offers distance, interactive television and on-line course offerings, particularly in high-demand programs such as nursing and teacher education, and is working to develop additional on-line courses.

For more information, contact the Publicity Coordinator at 970.248.1371.

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