MONMOUTH – Western Oregon University, a mid-sized university in the Willamette Valley, has topped last year’s enrollment record with 5,654 students, an increase of 305 students from last year. WOU credits a continued focus on serving Oregon’s students who comprise 83 percent of the university’s student population.

WOU saw 1,476 new students this year, with 967 freshmen and 509 transfer students. Out of the freshman, 831 are from Oregon and most of the remaining students are from Washington, Hawaii, Alaska and California.

The university also had a major increase in its graduate student population, approximately 20 percent, due to the new master’s degree in history and expanded graduate programs in teaching and information technology.

The Western Tuition Promise has been a driving factor in increased enrollment, as it guarantees a set tuition rate for incoming undergraduates during their four years. With the bad economy this guarantee provides students and their families meaningful security in planning for college expenses. 

The increased enrollment has required some change to campus, including the construction of a new live-learn residence hall. This residence hall, slated to open in time for students return in fall 2010, will be the nation’s first LEED platinum certified full-sized residence hall. A health and wellness facility, featuring a recreation center, will open in winter term of 2011. This includes renovations to the existing Old P.E. building and additional classroom and athletic spaces.

“Western Oregon University is the most popular mid-sized four-year college for Oregonians to attend,” said Associate Provost David Mc Donald. “Initiatives like the Western Tuition Promise, and our proactive and effective retention initiatives, make WOU a very popular choice for students and families. The campus commitment to student success pays off as students are more likely to graduate.”
           

Interview contacts:
Enrollment questions
David Mc Donald
Associate Provost
503-838-8919 or 503-510-6488 (cell)
mcdonald@wou.edu

Budgetary questions
Mark Weiss
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration
503-838-8175
weissm@wou.edu