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Enrollment Figures up at ELCA Colleges and Universities


From NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>
Date 22 Jan 1999 00:00:39

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

January 21, 1999

ENROLLMENT FIGURES UP AT ELCA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
99-02-10-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Overall student enrollment for the 28 colleges and
universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has
increased by 10 percent in the last decade, said the Rev. W. Robert
Sorensen, executive director of the ELCA Division for Higher Education and
Schools.  Enrollment for students of color increased by more than 64
percent.
     The number of full-time students for the 1998-1999 academic year is
46,814 -- an increase of 4,265 students from 1988-1989.   The number of
full-time students of color enrolled for the 1998-1999 school year is
4,357 -- up 1,701 from 1988-1989.
     "The number of international students studying at colleges and
universities in the United States has decreased somewhat in recent years,
and this is reflected in ELCA schools as well, with some increase having
occurred in the last two years," Sorensen said.  The number of full-time
international students for 1998-1999 is 1,390 -- an increase of 89
students from 1988-1989.  
     Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, enrolled the largest freshman
class in its history with 367 students -- up 17 percent from the fall of
1997 and an increase of 75 percent over fall 1996 figures.  The total
number of students enrolled at Texas Lutheran is 1,520 -- up 13 percent
from 1,344 in the fall of 1997. 
     Enrollment for the 1998-1999 academic year at Luther College,
Decorah, Iowa, is 2,472 students -- the highest enrollment figure in the
college's history, surpassing the previous record of 2,409 for the 1996-
1997 academic year.  
     Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa., had the highest
enrollment figure in the institution's history with more than 1,600
students.  The Class of 2002 is made up of 468 students with
qualifications that are among the best ever at Susquehanna, said Pamela
White, dean of academic services there.
     Sorensen said the number of Lutherans enrolled in ELCA colleges and
universities is "about one-third of the total -- a number that is holding
steady despite the decline of high school age youth in ELCA
congregations."
     "From the beginning, Lutheran colleges and universities have thought
of themselves as having two tasks," said Sorensen.  "One is to educate
Lutheran students, and the second is to be the means by which the church
serves in the wider society.  Not only do we serve our own but others as
well."
     There are colleges in parts of the country where there are very few
Lutherans, said Sorensen.  Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash.,
for example, is located in a state where only two percent of the
population is Lutheran, but 30 percent of the student body at the
university is Lutheran.
     "ELCA colleges and universities are there for all students qualified
to enter.  Part of the institutions' mission is to serve all students,
whether they are Lutheran or a member of another denomination.
     "The enrollment picture for ELCA colleges and universities over the
last decade demonstrates their importance in assisting this church with
its effort to connect with youth and young adults," Sorensen said.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html


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