State higher education board reports enrollment increase

(Nov. 16, 2001)--The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reports that enrollments at Texas public and independent higher education institutions reached 990,403 students this fall, an increase of 29,622 students, or 3.1 percent, when compared to fall 2000, according to preliminary figures reported by colleges and universities.

UTSA reported a fall 2001 enrollment of 19,843 and an increase of 1,013, or 5.4 percent, compared to 18,830 in fall 2000.

"Texas must enroll more of its people in higher education, and then make sure that they succeed, if we are to generate, attract and retain the best jobs and ensure the highest quality of life possible for our state," said Texas Commissioner of Higher Education Don W. Brown. "These new enrollment figures are a welcome sign that we are making progress."

A new higher education plan developed by the Coordinating Board's Planning Committee calls for enrolling an additional 500,000 students in Texas higher education by 2015 to close gaps in college participation rates within Texas and between Texas and other states, Brown added. The Coordinating Board will consider adopting the new plan later this month.

For fall 2000, the state's public universities reported 415,417 students, an increase of 8,343 students or 2.1 percent compared to the previous fall. Enrollment increases were reported by 28 public universities, while seven of them reported decreases.

Public health-related institutions reported 12,657 students this fall, up by 247 students, or 2 percent, over fall 1999. Six of these institutions reported increases, while two reported decreases. Another health-related institution enrolled students for the first time in fall 2000.

The state's 50 public community college districts and three Lamar state colleges offering similar two-year degree programs enrolled 443,770 students in fall 2000, an increase of 17,251 students, or 4 percent, over fall 1999. Enrollment increases were reported by 43 of these institutions, while 10 reported decreases.

The Texas State Technical College System reported 9,333 students, an increase of 529 students, or 6 percent, over fall 1999.

Independent colleges and universities in Texas reported 107,300 students this fall, up 3,221 students, or 3.1 percent, over the previous fall. The state's only independent health-related institution reported 1,192 students, up six students, or 0.5 percent, from the previous fall. Independent junior colleges reported 634 students, an increase of 25 students or 4.1 percent.

The fall 2000 enrollment figures are based on a preliminary count of twelfth class day enrollments reported by higher education institutions. Public institutions, as well as the independent Baylor College of Medicine, report enrollment data directly to the Coordinating Board. Enrollment data from other independent institutions is obtained by the Coordinating Board from the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Inc. Final, certified fall enrollment figures, which are
reported later in the year for public higher education institutions, are frequently lower than preliminary figures.

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