MUNCIE, Ind. - An increase in applications and a larger spring enrollment are strong indications Ball State University may have slightly more than 18,000 students next fall.

The university is anticipating an enrollment of 18,100 to 18,200 students with an incoming freshman class of 3,700 and 800 transfers.

"Although it is early, it looks very promising," said Doug McConkey, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. "In fact, our freshman class could even be larger than 3,700."

Ball State has already received 9,157 freshman applications as compared to 7,889 at the same time last year for an increase of 16 percent.

About 1,427 students have paid their admission deposits, an increase of 22 percent over last year. Students must confirm their intent to enroll by paying a $50 deposit on or before May 1.

Ball State officials have maintained the university is best suited to handle between 18,000 and 19,000 students. Enrollment has grown steadily over the last several years from 17,459 in 1999-2000 to 17,490 in 2000-2001 and 17,662 this school year. The university last topped the 18,000 mark in 1997-98 with 18,528 students.

McConkey said a larger on-campus population this semester is another positive step for enrollment growth in 2002-2003.

There are 16,408 students enrolled for on-campus spring semester classes, an increase of 301 students from last spring.

Off-campus programs have 242 more students than last year at the same time. The final off-campus enrollment tally is due March 11.

McConkey said a larger spring enrollment is partially due to higher retention rates. About 89 percent of freshmen returned for their second semester.

Retention has steadily increased since the university raised admission standards in 1998 and began enrolling students with higher academic qualifications. In 1997, retention was at 83 percent.

In addition to higher retention rates and higher admission standards, the potential increase in enrollment for 2002-2003 may also be attributed to the university's statewide marketing campaign, McConkey said.

"We have worked very hard in getting the message out about Ball State," he said. "Students see us as a high quality and attractive university."

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact McConkey at dmcconkey@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1444.)