West Virginia Universitys spring enrollment is up by nearly 500 students, or 2.2 percent, bringing the total to 23,590 as compared to 23,091 last spring, WVU officials announced.

These figures include full- and part-time undergraduate, graduate and professional students on the Morgantown campus.

The number of undergraduate students enrolled for spring 2005 increased by 842, or 5.1 percent, for a total of 17,457. The overall number of full-time students also swelled, rising by 773 to 20,378, representing a nearly 4 percent increase.

WVU made gains on other levels. The University continues to be a popular choice among students in and outside of West Virginia. Out-of-state enrollment rose by 356 students (4 percent) to 9,310, while in-state enrollment was up 143 students (1 percent) to 14,280. The number of professional students increased by 46 (3.5 percent) for a total of 1,342.

With the latest surge, the University continues a pattern of steady growth. WVU went from 20,535 in 2001 to 23,590 in spring 2005, an almost 15 percent increase in that time period.

University officials cite WVU s success in retention and reputation as a high-quality academic institution as two reasons for the positive enrollment trend.

We are encouraged by these healthy numbers, WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. said.They reflect our reputation not only for outstanding faculty and academic excellence but top-notch student life programs, including new student housing on campus and in the community. It is an exciting time to be a student at WVU .

WVU s fall 2004 enrollment was 25,255 students, the largest ever, he noted. University officials have set a goal of 30,000 students28,500 in Morgantown and 1,500 at Potomac State College of WVU over the next several years.