Top Story
March 9, 2009
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Record number taking classes at Metro State
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Applications for fall 2009 up 49 percent compared to last year. |
More Colorado students are taking classes at Metropolitan State College of Denver than ever before. According to fall 2007 census reports, Metro State is Colorado’s leader in educating resident undergraduate students. With nearly 21,000 resident students enrolled in fall 2007, Metro State surpassed Colorado State University in Fort Collins (17,443), University of Colorado at Boulder (17,237) and University of Northern Colorado (9,004).
As the College prepares for incoming classes, it continues to see increased enrollment. As of the Feb. 4 census date, official enrollment data shows that FTE enrollment and headcount both increased 7.2 percent over the same time last spring. The jump in enrollment represents the largest percentage increase in seven years. With a total headcount of 21,787 students, Metro State is at its highest enrollment ever. Enrollment, which is typically lower in the spring semester than in the fall, swelled slightly from 21,715. 
Another important indicator of Metro State’s growth trend is the 49 percent rise in applications for fall 2009. As of the first day of March, 1,311 more applications had been submitted than last year at this time. Of those, 935 were accepted.
According to Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services Judi Diaz Bonacquisti, the increases can be attributed to a number of factors, including the economy and an early registration deadline implemented by the College last year. “We continue to be hit with applications on both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum, from those who will no longer be able to afford tuition increases at the more expensive colleges to those returning to college due to job loss or the inability to get a job.”
The early registration deadline implemented last year is another likely contributor to the College’s growth, Bonacquisti adds. “It allows for better planning, as the deans are able to decide earlier if they need to open up another course section. And it allows for all classrooms to be assigned before classes start.”
A closer look at spring 2009 numbers: High school senior applications increased 29 percent, from 2,326 to 3006. Transfer student applications increased 86 percent, from 256 to 477. African American student applications increased 68 percent, from 183 to 308. Latino student applications increased 35 percent, from 574 to 774.
