Purdue News

November 14, 1997

Independents lead college enrollment increase

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Purdue University is distributing this news release for the Indiana Conference of Higher Education.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Fall enrollment at Indiana colleges and universities increased by 2.05 percent between 1996 and 1997, according to figures released today by the Indiana Conference of Higher Education.

A total of 292,389 students are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs this fall, compared to 286,514 a year ago. Independent (private) institutions showed a 3.44 percent increase to 64,588 students, while public institutions increased by 1.66 percent to 227,801.

"These figures indicate that Hoosiers are recognizing that higher education is a smart investment for career and personal advancement," said John W. Hicks, co-executive secretary of the ICHE. "The message from the job market is that well-educated people get the best jobs and have the best chance for promotion."

The enrollment figures were compiled by the Office of the Registrar at Purdue University.

Source: John W. Hicks, (765) 463-5432

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