MEDIA RELEASE

Opening enrollment for the University of Hawaii System for the spring 2010 semester reached an all-time record of 55,761 students, the highest spring enrollment in the institution’s history.

UH spring enrollment has increased for a third straight year, and all 10 campuses experienced increases.

“Our record high enrollment shows that the public continues to turn to higher education as a way to improve themselves and their opportunities during these difficult economic times. The University of Hawaii provides an excellent education at a great value, and our campuses are doing everything they can to accommodate the demand for their services despite limited resources,” said Linda Johnsrud, UH vice president for academic planning and policy.

UH’s preliminary opening credit enrollment figures for spring 2010 increased by 4,809 students, or 9.4 percent, compared to spring 2009, and by 7,515 students, or 15.6 percent, compared to spring 2008.

UH Manoa posted a slight increase of 2.8 percent, or 518 students, from a comparable date in spring 2009 for a total enrollment of 19,286 students. The other nine campuses experienced a wide range of increases from 5.1 percent to 24.3 percent.

UH-Hilo’s opening spring enrollment stands at 3,864 students, a 5.1 percent gain (187 students) over last spring, while UH West Oahu’s enrollment is at 1,278 students, an increase of 11.5 percent (132 students) from the previous year.

Enrollment at the UH community colleges rose to 31,333, an increase of 3,972 students, or 14.5 percent, above spring 2009. Kapiolani Community College posted the largest numerical gain of any UH campus with 880 more students than last year, while Windward Community College boasts the largest percentage growth in enrollment at 24.3 percent.

Specific figures for the community college campuses are:

* Hawaii Community College stands at 3,252 students, an increase of 14 percent or 400 students;

* Honolulu Community College registered 4,494 students, an increase of 481 students or 12 percent;

* Kapiolani Community College enrolled 8,782 students, a gain of 880 or 11.1 percent;

* Kauai Community College recorded 1,346 students, a 21.6 percent increase or 239 students;

* Leeward Community College has 7,076 students enrolled, an increase of 752 students or 11.9 percent;

* Maui Community College registered 4,078 students, a gain of 769 or 23.2 percent; and

* Windward Community College recorded 2,305 students, a gain of 451 or 24.3 percent.

Separately, more than 27,000 registrations in non-credit programs are expected throughout the UH System.

For more information, visit www.hawaii.edu/offices/app/openenroll