The UND overpass where students can walk across University Ave. Photo by Nick Nelson/ The Dakota Student

UND announced an official fall headcount of 14,951 students, an increase of 851 over this time last year and the third largest total in school history, according to a UND news release. This year’s freshman class totaled 1,900 students, down from last year’s class of 1,906. Total transfer students attending UND totaled to 706 students, up from last year’s total of 702.

In addition to the high enrollment numbers, it was also announced that UND recruited its most academically prepared freshman class, as indicated by ACT scores as well as average high school grade point averages. This year’s freshman class scored an average of 23.9 on the ACT, compared to last year’s average score of 23.8. This year’s average GPA was 3.42, up from last year’s average GPA of 3.40.

The university also reported a record setting retention rate of 81.3 percent of last year’s freshmen class, up from the 74 percent retention rate of three years ago.

Of the colleges at UND, The College of Engineering & Mines had the highest increase in enrollment at 1,841 students, up from last year’s 1,765. The College of Arts & Sciences saw an increase to 2,907 students from last year’s 2,844, and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences program’s enrollment totaled to 290 students, up from last year’s total of 274.

The School of Law saw an increase to 85 first year law students, up from last year’s 74.

UND President Robert Kelley said in the statement, “There’s a lot to be excited about in this year’s enrollment report. Not only has overall enrollment grown to one of its highest levels in our institution’s history, our incoming freshmen are also the most academically qualified that UND has ever seen.  This increase in quality and in retention supports the initiatives outlined in the North Dakota University System’s strategic plan, The NDUS Edge.”

Kelley and other UND leaders believe that quality teaching and programs, opportunities for student engagement both on and off campus, as well as experiential learning for undergraduates, are key attractions for the university.

“As a flagship research university, we are committed to providing valuable and unique opportunities for our students to become involved in research activities.  We’re helping students build a strong foundation for academic achievement and discover their path to a 4-year graduation,” said UND Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas DiLorenzo in the email.

53% of freshman from the class of 2007 graduated within six years at UND. This number has remained relatively stable over the last 10 years and is slightly below the national average of 58% at 4-year public institutions.

UND recently began a series of construction projects that will assist with educating the expanding student population. This includes the recent renovations of the Law School building and Wilkerson Commons. Recent construction projects also include a new facility for the School of Medicine and Health Science as well as Robin Hall, which will allow for further expansion of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems program. The program has also been a major attraction for students, with enrollment increasing each year.

The enrollment numbers were received positively by the UND administration. UND Vice President for Student Affairs Lori Reesor said in a statement, “UND remains committed to providing excellent programs and services to ensure the students’ success at UND and beyond. These efforts are the result of a lot of hard work by dedicated faculty and staff and are attracting students who are prepared to succeed now.”

Elliot Golden is a news reporter for The Dakota Student. He can be reached at [email protected]