BSU reports enrollment increase

A sizeable freshman class has helped fuel a fall enrollment growth of almost 2 percent at Bemidji State University.

Bemidji State's enrollment figures for Monday, Sept. 21, shows a 1.9 percent increase from last year. This fall's additional 91 students brings BSU's enrollment to a total of 4,970 students.

Currently there are 4,524 undergraduates and 446 graduates enrolled at BSU. The enrollment number could fluctuate throughout the fall as students enroll for distance learning options.

BSU's 810-member freshman class for 2009 played a key role in the enrollment gain. The freshmen count increased by 4.2 percent from last year.

BSU has traditionally used the 20th day of classes as its date for announcing enrollment figures in order to allow sufficient time for students to drop or add courses and to pay tuition. Headcount reflects an unduplicated number of students enrolled in credit-generating courses on campus and through external study areas such as distance learning.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system will release its enrollment report on Monday, Oct. 5.