Purdue News

September 1, 2000 Purdue agriculture enrollment up slightly WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Fall enrollment for the Purdue University School of Agriculture stands at 2,479, up 33 students from one year ago. "We are pleased with our fall enrollment," said Karl Brandt, associate dean and director of academic programs for the School of Agriculture. "We are right around the optimum number of students we can handle, and still maintain high job placement." For the first time last spring, Purdue closed enrollment in late April in all programs and schools for beginning students. "We know that additional students wanted to get into the School of Agriculture, but applied too late," Brandt said. "As the university tries to keep overall enrollment steady, we anticipate the same thing may happen next spring. The message to students applying for fall 2001 is, apply early." Victor Lechtenberg, dean of agriculture, said there is a mix of factors that keep students seeking Purdue degrees in the School of Agriculture. "We have strong, diverse programs and employers like to hire our graduates," he said. "Despite a good economy, students are realizing that a college education is a good investment in their future." Total fall enrollment on Purdue's West Lafayette campus is 37,871. CONTACT: Brandt, (765) 494-8472; Lechtenberg, (765) 494-8391. Compiled by Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page