Sixty-nine new African American students enrolled this fall semester have helped to bring the percentage of all Metro State students who are ethnic minorities to nearly one-fourth of the student population.

In the census date (Sept. 7) report from Institutional Research, Director Ellen Boswell states that the percentage of students who are ethnic minorities now stands at 24.1 percent, a 0.4 percent increase over last fall. And enrollment of minorities from all ethnic groups increased, except for international (non-resident alien) students:

• American Indians had the largest percentage increase at 17.9, going from 207 to 244 students.
• Hispanics, at 13.2 percent (2,787 students), represent the largest ethnic minority group.
• This fall's 1,259 African American students comprise 6 percent of the total number of students.
• Eighteen new students have brought the total number of Asian students to 804, a 2.3 percent increase from last year.

Census date total headcount (not including common pool enrollment) stood at 21,109, which is 1.5 percent higher than the 2004 fall semester enrollment. And FTES were at 7,041, a 2 percent jump.

Enrollment in online (including hybrid) courses continues to grow, with those students taking only online courses increasing by 11.9 percent and those taking both online and non-online courses jumping 7.7 percent.

Other notable increases include:

• 2.8 percent in students ages 20-24
• 2.4 percent in continuing students
• 2.1 percent in full-time students
• 2.9 percent in male students