The University of Hawai'i-Manoa had a slight decline in enrollment, but overall student numbers in the 10-campus UH system for the fall 2008 semester are at their highest level ever.

Total enrollment is 53,509, up 5.3 percent from fall 2007. The previous opening enrollment high was 52,229 in fall 1994.

This year's increase was led by UH-West O'ahu, with a 19.8 percent jump over fall 2007, for a total of 1,163 students. The seven UH community colleges registered a 9 percent increase overall. Enrollment at UH-Hilo was up 4.9 percent, to 3,786.

Enrollment at the flagship Manoa campus is 19,969, which is 37 fewer students than in the fall of 2007.

UH vice president for academic planning and policy Linda Johnsrud said, "Our 10 campuses have set goals to increase the college-going rate in Hawai'i's high school graduates and their efforts are paying off."