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September 18, 2012

ULM enrollment stable; data reveals record-setting freshmen class

Fall enrollment at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is stable, and the 2012 freshman class—which has grown 10 percent since 2011—has the strongest academic credentials in the institution’s history.

ULM’s success in attracting this freshmen class, which possesses an average GPA of 3.38 and ACT score of 22.3, can be attributed to an expanded reach in recruitment, said ULM President Dr. Nick J. Bruno.

“In addition to exceeding many of the statewide performance goals defined by the Louisiana Grad Act, we are strategically recruiting high-ability students from within the region, state, and abroad. As more and more students discover ULM, we will continue to attract stronger, more academically prepared students,” Bruno said.

The university’s fall enrollment of 8,560 students represents a decrease of 66 students compared to the fall of 2011, or less than one percent.

This change represents fewer part-time students as both full-time graduate and undergraduate students continue to increase.

ULM’s focus on increasing full-time students is part of the university’s strategic plan to increase graduation and retention rates, and reduce students’ time to completion.

ULM’s graduation rate has increased approximately 5 percent during the past two years, and in May 2012, ULM awarded 891 degrees—the institution’s largest graduating class.

In addition, 2012 marks the institution's largest percentage of ULM freshmen to ever receive TOPS.

The university's success was discovered by U.S. News & World Report, which designated ULM as one of the best regional universities in the South.

ULM broke the top 100, ranking a ULM a Tier One institution among its peers. U.S. News publishes the numbered rankings of (approximately) the top 75 percent of schools in various categories.

“ULM’s inclusion in U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Universities is a testament to the growing number of national organizations discovering ULM’s quality and value,” Bruno said.

“In addition, Kiplinger’s Finance Magazine recently announced the top 10 most lucrative college majors; ULM offers nine. Our world-class educational programs prepare our students to succeed.”

To ensure additional progress, ULM established several collaborations with major outside entities, including Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and LSU AgCenter. 

"These collaborations exhibit ULM’s desire to seek the best partners to advance our mission and provide our students with the finest university experience available. They also demonstrate that top-notch agencies recognize the advantage of partnering with ULM,” said ULM Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Eric Pani.

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