West Virginia University’s spring enrollment numbers show that 1,164 more students are enrolled this spring on the Morgantown campus. A total of 23,091 students are studying at WVU this semester, compared to 21,927 during spring 2003. That’s a 5.3 percent increase.

Enrollment rose at all three levels: undergraduate (6.7 percent), graduate (1.9 percent) and first-professional (2.1 percent.)

WVU experienced a record-breaking fall 2003 enrollment with 24,260 students. More than 1,200 graduated in December, lowering the number of students continuing through spring.

The numbers are encouraging. This decrease in students from the fall 2003 to spring 2004 semesters is the lowest it’s been since at least 1996,said Brenda Thompson, assistant vice president for student affairs and enrollment management services.

Other spring enrollment highlights include (all comparisons refer to spring 2003 numbers):

• In-state students total 14,137, a 4.3 percent increase. The number of out-of-state students increased 6.9 percent for a total of 8,954.

• Graduate enrollment increased 1.9 percent for a total of 5,180. First-professional enrollment increased to 1,296, or 2.1 percent.

• The number of full-time first-time freshmen (136) represents a 31.4 percent increase.

• Enrollment of international students (non-resident aliens) increased 2.7 percent for a total of 1,312.

• Female and male students are about equally represented.