Enrollment in the University of Hawai'i system remains relatively unchanged from last fall at 50,310 students, according to preliminary figures released by the university yesterday.

University officials say the small change in enrollment is good news given the first set of tuition increases that went into effect this semester.

"I am gratified with these enrollment figures because they show that students are not discouraged by tuition costs from pursuing study in higher education," said Linda Johnsrud, UH vice president for academic planning and policy, in a news release.

At UH-Manoa, enrollment declined by 312 students, or 1.5 percent. A total of 20,307 students are enrolled at the university this semester.

UH-Manoa had experienced dramatic growth over the past five years, with enrollment starting to level off last year. UH-Manoa interim chancellor Denise Konan said the stable student population will allow the university to focus on enhancing the student experience.

The university's two other four-year campuses — UH-Hilo and UH-West O'ahu — experienced slight increases. UH-West O'ahu gained 28 students over last fall, a 3.2 percent increase. UH-Hilo gained 86 students, a 2.5 percent increase.

The community colleges saw a slight increase in overall enrollment with 199 additional students at the seven campuses statewide, as compared with 2005.