Strong undergraduate retention was the key in increasing on-campus spring enrollment by 180 students over last year's number of 16,901, said Doug McConkey, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

The university was able to retain 90.6 percent of freshman from fall semester as well as a higher-than- expected percentage of upperclassmen from the fall, he said.

"We are very pleased with the enrollment levels," McConkey said. "The persistence of our strong retention levels is an indication that the university is attracting highly-qualified students who enjoy participating in college-level programs. Our students are serious about academics."

Retention has steadily increased since the university raised admission standards in 1997 and began enrolling students with higher academic qualifications. Fall to spring retention was 83 percent in 1997.

Off-campus enrollment numbers will be available in the next few weeks. Students are still enrolling for off-campus classes as well as courses offered via the Internet and other distance education programs.

On-campus enrollment for next fall is expected to surpass 18,310 students, the number taking classes at the start of the 2003-04 school year, McConkey said.

By 2006-07, the university projects its on-campus enrollment to range from 19,200 to 19,500 students.

"The university should see a healthy increase in on-campus enrollment for next fall," McConkey said. "We believe Ball State   will be an attractive destination for students wishing to enroll in highly challenging programs."

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