Enrollment numbers are growing at Emporia State University, despite graduating its largest class in 10 years in May.
This is in part attributed to the highest retention on record for first-year students. On Sept. 17, the 20th day of classes at Emporia State, the university recorded a total of 4,493 full-time equivalent students (FTEs) compared to 4,468 in 2017 for a 0.57 percent growth. ESU President Allison Garrett says a 36 percent growth in new full-time graduate students is a plus.
The data includes a 6 percent growth in all new full-time students and a 7 percent growth in new full-time freshmen. Garrett says the retention rate, which has been a point of emphasis for ESU, is perhaps the greatest news for the university this fall.
Meanwhile, area school districts are reporting varying headcount trends. Unaudited headcount for Emporia Public Schools is down almost 70 students from a 10-year high of almost 4,750 students to 4,679.
At USD 252 Southern Lyon County, there was a pleasant surprise: headcount stayed flat at 513 students. With additional state money coming to the district after action by the Kansas Legislature earlier this year, Superintendent Mike Argabright tells KVOE News this should help ongoing efforts to reward staff and restoring instructional support.
USD 251 Interim Superintendent Mike Mathes says the current-year headcount met earlier projections after the closure of Reading Elementary earlier this year.
Elsewhere:
*USD 284 Chase County’s headcount went from 321 last year to 346 this year.
*USD 386 Madison-Virgil went from 218 to 216.
*USD 421 Lyndon’s headcount went from 439 to 431.
Totals for other districts have not been announced.
