MONMOUTH –

The number of Western Oregon University’s admitted students for the 2006-07 school year has increased 13.2 percent since 2005, as of February 24. This number is a 41 percent increase from the average number of admitted students for the five-year span of 2002-05.

Admitted undergraduates has increased 12.5 percent, which amounts to 1073 students admitted at this point compared to 954 students at this time last year.

“We are excited that students and their families are so interested in enrolling at WOU,” said David McDonald, interim dean of admissions, retention and enrollment management. “This significant increase reflects positively on the value that students place on receiving a high-quality liberal arts education from a university with small classes, high levels of interaction with faculty and peers, and a very supportive learning environment. The combination of quality education and affordable cost is being very well-received and supported.”

The renewed emphasis in international recruitment has brought a 106.7 percent increase in international student admittance for next year. WOU has developed partnerships with the Saudi Arabian government and schools in China.

Overall admittance for minority students has increased 68.4 percent from 114 students in 2005. There has also been a 25 percent increase in the number of incoming freshmen who have applied for the Presidential Scholarship, which is awarded to students with the highest academic credentials. The Diversity Enrichment Scholarship is projecting an increase of nearly 50 percent in applications.

Preview Days for potential incoming freshman have also received a boost in attendance as well as glowing reviews, McDonald said. With two spring preview days remaining, attendance has already matched 2005’s total of 1,068 overall attendees. This year’s numbers are already up approximately 70 percent from 2003-04.

For more information contact David McDonald at 503-838-8919 or mcdonald@wou.edu.