Postsecondary Enrollment Increases for 2007

Archive

12/26/2007

 

Contact: Sandy Connolly, Director of Communications
Office of Higher Education
(651) 259-3902

Modest Enrollment Gains Posted at Minnesota's Postsecondary Institutions

Fall enrollment at Minnesota's colleges, universities and career schools increased 3.1 percent over 2006, according to preliminary figures released today by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Enrollment at public and private institutions statewide increased by 10,412 students, from 326,244 in fall 2006 to 341,240 in 2007.

"We must continue our work to increase high school graduation rates while improving college participation and completion rates," said Susan Heegaard, Director for the Office of Higher Education.

Undergraduate and graduate preliminary fall headcount enrollment. Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

Enrollment at residential four-year colleges and universities tends to remain steady, as admissions offices manage the size of the freshmen class each year. The largest enrollment gains occurred at community and technical colleges and private career schools. Headcount increases at the community and technical colleges accounted for half the total increase in numbers between 2006 and 2007. Enrollment growth at private career schools seems to have stabilized somewhat compared to the huge gains made over the previous five years.

The overall numbers do not include primarily online higher education providers.

The fall figures provide a general picture of enrollment trends. Headcount enrollment is just one measure of enrollment based on the student headcount reported on the tenth day of fall term. The data do not take into account full- or part-time status of students. Most institutions use more than one method to measure enrollment.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education and serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance and trends.

The 2007 Preliminary Enrollment Census is available.

This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.