MUNCIE, Ind. - Enrollment figures show Ball State University has the largest increase in foreign students in its history.This fall, 160 new international students are enrolled, a 20 percent increase over last year’s record 132.

"Such an increase is far ahead of the national trend of 3 percent," said Jim Coffin, director of the Center for International Programs.

A total of 421 foreign students representing 74 countries are enrolled this semester, including students involved in post-study praticums. For the first time this year, Ball State has students from the Czech Republic and Albania.

"An ever increasing number of foreign students are attracted to Ball State because of the university’s excellent programs and aggressive recruitment strategies," said Coffin.

Another key factor is the diligence of the international admissions staff whose rapid processing of applications makes Ball State an early choice for students who want to come to America to study, said Coffin.

By Nancy Prater, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Coffin by e-mail at jcoffin@bsu.edu or by phone (765) 285-5422.)