Through Nov. 30, applications from first-time freshman jumped to 12,390 from 11,653 the previous year. Similarly, the number of transfer students surged 7.2 percent to 3,220.
“We’re excited that the number of applications is going up. I think we have a very strong recruitment team, and a reputation for high quality programs at HSU—we reach out to students from a vast region that add to the diversity and experience of the student body,” says Vikash Lakhani, HSU’s Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management.
California State University saw a record number of applicants to the 23-campus system, which includes Humboldt State University. More than 790,000 students applied for fall 2015, an increase of nearly 30,000 applications from last year.
First-time freshman applications surged to 552,642 from 526,798, while transfer applications also increased to 238,258 from 234,659. Fall 2015 marks the sixth consecutive record high for CSU.
“The fact that the CSU is the university of choice year-after-year among California’s high school graduates and transfer students demonstrates the power of our campuses to provide a transformative education,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. “Through innovative programs, services, and opportunities, CSU gives students the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing workforce.”
CSU attributes part of its success to its ability to attract a diverse group of students. The number of Hispanic and Latino applicants increased, with 109,895 undergraduate applicants who self-identified as Hispanic or Latino – up from 104,486 last year.
Despite the surge in applications, capacity issues persist due to state funding limitations. Under Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed multi-year funding plan, CSU will be funded for a one percent net enrollment growth (which encompasses first-time freshmen, transfers and returning students).
The CSU Board of Trustees has requested additional funding in the governor’s budget to allow a three percent net enrollment increase for the 2015-2016 academic year. Fully funding CSU’s proposed support budget would allow CSU to enroll approximately 12,000 additional students.
Information about which campuses and programs are still accepting applications is available on CSU Mentor.