Iowa, Iowa State Set Enrollment Records

Supporters listen to President Barack Obama speak during a campaign event at Iowa State University, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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By Ellen Kurt

Story Created: Sep 5, 2012 at 2:15 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 5, 2012 at 2:24 PM CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa narrowly maintained its enrollment edge on Iowa State University as both schools set records for fall enrollment.

The UI set a record with 31,489 students taking classes this semester, including a freshmen class of 4,470. ISU cracked the 31,000 mark at 31,040 students, including its largest-ever freshmen class of 5,366.

ISU has narrowed the enrollment gap with Iowa in recent years as its enrollment has risen 21 percent since 2006. UI's enrollment has risen just 5 percent during that same time.

“Our robust fall enrollment speaks to the value students and their families see in a degree from Iowa State," ISU Interim Director of Admissions Darin Wohlgemuth said.

Diversity was another trend with enrollments at the two schools. More than 16 percent of University of Iowa students identify themselves as a minority, a higher percentage than any other class, up from 14.2 percent last year and 12.6 percent in 2010.

“The diversity is great to see,” said Michael Barron, assistant provost for enrollment management and executive director of admissions at Iowa. “We’ve worked hard to achieve that."

Iowa State also has its largest ever minority population on campus with 3,255 students, or 10.5 percent of total enrollment.

More Iowans are choosing to go to Ames than Iowa City. Iowa residents make up 61 percent of Iowa State's enrollment (18,922 students) compared to just 47.2 percent of Iowa's enrollment (14,862 students).

Recruiting more Iowa residents is a new focus for University of Iowa, president Sally Mason said. She unveiled a plan to try to attract and recruit more Iowa high school seniors in the coming years.

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