Enrollment at UH campuses reaches historic high

Enrollment at the 10 University of Hawaii campuses reached an all-time high of 53,509 students this fall, led by 9 percent overall growth in community college enrollment, according to preliminary figures released Friday by the UH system.

The previous enrollment record was set in fall 1994, when 52,229 students registered for classes.

Enrollment systemwide is up by 2,705 students or 5.3 percent compared with fall 2007.

"Reaching 53,509, our highest all-time enrollment, is not just about the state's economy," said Linda Johnsrud, UH vice president for Academic Planning and Policy, in a written news release. "Our 10 campuses have set goals to increase the college-going rate of Hawaii's high school graduates and their efforts are paying off.

"UH Manoa graduated 8 percent more students in spring 2008 than spring 2007, producing more educated citizens, which is exactly what Hawaii's work force needs."

Enrollment at the flagship UH-Manoa campus declined slightly to 19,969, down by 37 students, or 0.2 percent than fall 2007.

UH-Hilo's enrollment increased to 3,786, a gain of 178 students, or 4.9 percent, and at UH-West Oahu, enrollment increased to 1,163, an increase of 192 students, or 19.8 percent.

Part of the increase at UH-Hilo can be attributed to the College of Pharmacy, which seated its second class of 90 students.

At the UH community colleges, combined enrollment is at 28,591, a gain of 2,372 students or 9 percent, from last fall.

That figure appears to be the highest ever for community colleges, said John Morton, UH vice president for community colleges. Morton said Hawaii CC, Kapiolani CC, Leeward CC, Maui CC and Windward CC also reached record enrollments.

The greatest percentage growths in enrollment were at UH-West Oahu at 19.8 percent, followed by Hawaii CC with 14 percent and Leeward CC at 13.9 percent. Leeward CC also posted the largest numerical gain with 843 students, followed by Kapiolani CC with 671 students.