Enrollment at UH stable
The university system has 86 fewer students than in spring 2006
Star-Bulletin staff
Enrollment at the 10 University of Hawaii campuses is about the same as last year with only 86 fewer students, according to preliminary enrollment figures released yesterday.
There are 46,308 students registered for classes systemwide, a 0.2 percent decrease from spring 2006.
It is the second year that enrollment has decreased after four previous years of steady growth.
STUDENT COUNT
A look at spring 2006 enrollment at the 10 University of Hawaii campuses:
UH-Manoa: 18,959
UH-Hilo: 3,287
UH-West Oahu: 820
Kapiolani Community College: 6,911
Leeward Community College: 5,309
Honolulu Community College: 3,803
Windward Community College: 1,539
Maui Community College: 2,597
Hawaii Community College: 2,130
Kauai Community College: 953
Total: 46,308
Source: University of Hawaii
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"Hawaii's unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in 30 years, and flat enrollments in colleges and universities are reflective of a strong economy in which individuals can choose whether to go to work or further their education," said Linda Johnsrud, UH vice president for academic planning and policy, in a news release.
UH-Manoa's enrollment stands at 18,959, 122 fewer students than last year, a 0.6 percent decline, while UH-Hilo experienced a 0.6 percent increase of 18 students for a total enrollment of 3,287. UH-West Oahu's enrollment increased by 17 students, or 2.1 percent, to 820.
Enrollment at the university's seven community colleges stands at 23,242, which is just three students more than last spring. Hawaii Community College and Kapiolani Community College posted the only increases of the seven campuses.
Kapiolani experienced the largest numerical and percentage increase of all campuses with 167 more students, a 2.5 percent increase. Hawaii CC enrollment was up by 32 students, a 1.5 percent increase.
Windward Community College saw the biggest percentage decline, losing 3.9 percent of its spring 2006 enrollment, or 63 fewer students. Maui Community College registered 46 fewer students, a 1.7 percent decrease; Honolulu Community College saw a 0.3 percent decline of 12 fewer students; Leeward Community College saw a 1.3 percent decrease with a loss of 72 students; and Kauai Community College had three fewer students than last spring, a 0.3 percent decline.
Separately, more than 27,000 registrations in noncredit programs are expected throughout the UH system.