The Oregon University System reported significant across-the-board gains in student enrollment numbers, with the state total reaching a record high of 86,546 according to an Nov. 13 OUS press release. Portland State’s enrollment reportedly shot up to 26,587, an increase of 1,588 students from the fall term enrollment numbers from last year. The Vanguard previously reported in September that PSU’s enrollment would rise to 27,118 by the end of fall term.
State university enrollments continue to climb
The Oregon University System reported significant across-the-board gains in student enrollment numbers, with the state total reaching a record high of 86,546 according to an Nov. 13 OUS press release.
Portland State’s enrollment reportedly shot up to 26,587, an increase of 1,588 students from the fall term enrollment numbers from last year. The Vanguard previously reported in September that PSU’s enrollment would rise to 27,118 by the end of fall term.
Di Saunders, OUS communications director, said student enrollment numbers will often jump sharply after an increase to state higher education funding such as the increase the state legislature saw this past biennium.
“Historically, whenever we see that level of significant increase by the legislature, you see commensurate increases in enrollment the following year,” Saunders said.
Despite the current economic crisis, Saunders said that OUS is remaining optimistic about keeping the higher education budget Oregon has as well as future monetary developments.
“[This] spreads a message of hope for Oregonians that this state believes in them,” she said.
Saunders also said OUS will be working with the state legislature to do everything in their power to keep higher education initiatives moving forward.
“We will be working very hard with the governor and the legislature to try to ensure that we do maintain this momentum,” she said. “We’re fighting to maintain what we currently have and always putting students first.”
