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Wright State sets enrollment record

A chemistry exam in Fawcett Hall at Wright State filled the lecture hall on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Student enrollment has topped 18,000 at the university for the first time.

Staff photo by Ty Greenlees A chemistry exam in Fawcett Hall at Wright State filled the lecture hall on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Student enrollment has topped 18,000 at the university for the first time.

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Staff photo by Ty Greenlees Electrical Engineering junior Adam Chen studied in the Wright State library on Wednesday, September 23.

By Dave Larsen, Staff Writer Updated 1:37 AM Thursday, September 24, 2009

FAIRBORN — Amid the recession, a record 18,786 students are attending Wright State University this fall, a 6.4 percent increase over last year that mirrors sharp jumps in enrollment at other public, four-year schools in Ohio.

“When jobs are not available, students look to go to school,” Jacqueline McMillan, Wright State’s associate provost for enrollment management, said Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Last year’s enrollment was 17,662 students. The university’s previous record was 17,761 students in 1991.

The enrollment figure includes undergraduate and graduate students on Wright State’s main campus in Fairborn and its Lake Campus in Celina.

McMillan attributed the enrollment growth in part to Wright State’s tuition of $2,511 per quarter, one of the lowest rates among public, four-year schools in Ohio.

“We’ve been very purposeful in trying to keep tuition down while increasing the quality ,” McMillan said.

Enrollment has spiked at other area public, four-year universities.

Central State University in Wilberforce had the second-largest increase in enrollment growth this fall of any public, four-year institution in Ohio, according to spokeswoman Fran Robinson. Central State increased its total enrollment by 12 percent from fall 2008 to 2,436 students.

The University of Cincinnati, which started classes Wednesday, is projecting a total enrollment of 38,700 students — the largest number of students in 28 years and more than 1,600 over last year’s total enrollment of 37,072. UC’s total includes a record freshman class of 6,000, the highest in school history.

Ohio State University also started Wednesday with one of the largest first-year classes in its history. The projected freshman class of 6,550 students represents an increase of 500 students over fall 2008. Ohio State does not project total enrollment figures, according to university officials.

Miami University in Oxford has a total fall enrollment of 21,478 students, up 313 from fall 2008.

“In this economic climate, many students are seeking a high-quality education that is affordable. Our region is fortunate to be rich with numerous colleges and universities that meet this criterion,” said Sean Creighton, executive director of the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education.

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Oh and one more thing, for those of you who are complaining about parking.... Yes, you do have to stalk spots if you're trying to get right to next to the building, what's wrong with walking? It's good for the heart! :) I have about a 10-15 minute walk everyday to get to my classes, big deal! BREAK OUT YOUR WALKING SHOES PEOPLE!

The Glass is Half Full!
5:51 PM, 9/24/2009

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I don't understand why everyone is so angry about people going to school and how much the school is making, ok, so they are bringing in almost $500,000 in parking fees, but has anyone ever taken a look at what their water bill might look like, or their electric bill? I currently go to wright state, and I'm thankful that I'm able to get student loans to go to school. Unless the world comes to an end, I'll have no problem paying them off, inflation or not, after I graduate.

The Glass is Half Full!
5:44 PM, 9/24/2009

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Most of the money is going to the ignorant-mean spirted professors (not all but some)and disrespectful staff (not all but some)in the Education Departments all of whom should be lucky they have a job with good benefits etc. and they should remember who indirectly pays their paycheck --the STUDENTS--I am an Alumni and any time they send me info for money it goes in the trash. That is the only thing they understand is money and they not getting anymore from me. Sinclair is the BEST!

wrong state
3:43 PM, 9/24/2009

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18,786 students @ $25 a piece for parking = $469,650 a quarter for parking. Where does all this money go? theres only a few thousand parking spots and a hell of a lot more cars than that. students are parking at Meijers and walking. Wheres the money?

Wheresthemoney
2:41 PM, 9/24/2009

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This is absolutely a wonderful time to run up student loans. With massive inflation looming you will be able to pay those loans off with future inflated dollars. This is good news!!?

Au its goldy
11:50 AM, 9/24/2009

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