K-State has its largest spring enrollment ever with 21,570 students.
The 20th day enrollment figures show that the record extends beyond the Manhattan campus and includes Salina and off-campus students. The K-State student population also is increasingly diverse, now with 2,315 students of color and 1,645 international students – the largest numbers of both groups for a spring semester.
"Student interest in K-State is greater than ever," said K-State President Kirk Schulz. "At K-State, we have a distinct welcoming campus community, and we're dedicated to offering the best educational experience. As our population continues to grow, we will continue to concentrate on student success and focus on maximizing our retention and graduation rates."
Schulz said K-State is committed to providing an accessible and affordable education.
"K-State makes every effort for education to be a reality for people across the state of Kansas," Schulz said. "We work hard to assist students who want to be a Wildcat."
K-State's spring enrollment has grown from 21,154 students last spring, including 1,995 students of color and 1,498 international students. This semester's increase in student diversity is evident in the total number of students of color who chose K-State. The African-American population jumped to 841 students from last semester's 703, and the number of Hispanic and Mexican American students rose to 775 from 681.
"Spring enrollment reflects how things went first semester for students, especially new freshman," said Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students. "This record enrollment is a direct reflection of how K-State faculty and staff -- during tough budget times -- are helping our students be successful. This success goes to them."