Data place growth at UA 7th in nation

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s growth in enrollment over a 10-year period ranks seventh nationally among public universities offering doctoral degrees, according to an analysis done by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

The publication looked at data from 2002 to 2012, with UA’s 2012 enrollment of 24,537 students showing a 53.4 percent increase compared with the 15,995 students enrolled 10 years earlier.

“Our growth reflects the U of A’s long-term plan to expand access to higher education across Arkansas, while building a national reputation for academic excellence to attract top students from around the country and the world,” said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment management and dean of admissions, in a statement Thursday announcing the ranking.

Much of the growth has come from out-of-state students, particularly from Texas. Last fall, about 58 percent of UA students were from Arkansas, with more than 4,000 Texans enrolled in a student body of 25,341. As recently as 2004, fewer than 1,000 Texas students attended UA.

The university’s announcement noted that growth may continue, with enrollment expected at nearly 26,000 students this fall. Classes start Monday.

UA ranked 13th in last year’s Chronicle of Higher Education growth rankings.

“It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone here that we are now in the top 10, because our growth continues to be exceptional. This survey gives us the national context and perspective to affirm what we have accomplished,” Chancellor G. David Gearhart said in a statement. “This is a credit to our faculty and staff, who make the University of Arkansas a first-choice school for great students in Arkansas and in the rest of the country.”

— Jaime Adame

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