UH enrollment increases statewide by 6.6 percent

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

Enrollment in the overall University of Hawai'i system jumped by almost 2,800 students over a year ago — the first such overall increase since 1995, and a partial reflection of how hard Hawai'i's economy was hit by the Sept. 11 attacks.

"When there are economic needs education becomes increasingly important," said Deane Neubauer, interim chancellor for UH-Manoa. "During a tough economy, individuals seek additional training to expand their career options."

Helping generate the increase were tuition waivers for those hit by the economic downtown, new harder-edged recruiting policies encouraged by President Evan Dobelle, programs put together to answer the needs of the unemployed, and added emphasis on "distance learning."

With the increases, system-wide enrollment jumped to 44,627 students, a total of 2,783 (6.6 percent) more than a year ago. UH-West O'ahu logged the biggest percentage increase — 11.9 percent — with Kaua'i Community College close behind at 11.3 percent.

The increase at Manoa was 4.9 percent, while the overall increase for the community colleges was 7.9 percent. An estimated 39,000 people are expected to enroll in noncredit programs, which would put the total enrollment figures at 83,600.