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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 21, 2004
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu
DRAKE'S ENTERING CLASS IS SECOND LARGEST IN 10 YEARS
Drake University saw 782 first-year students enroll in classes this fall, marking the second largest freshman class in the past 10 years. Total enrollment for the 2004-2005 academic year is 5,221, up from 5,164 last fall.
"These numbers show the surge in enrollment at Drake continues to move forward," Drake President David Maxwell said. "Our small class sizes, generous financial aid, and the combination of a complex university with the campus culture of a small liberal arts college are very attractive to students. We're delighted they are responding to our commitment for academic excellence and our ranking as one of the top comprehensive universities in the Midwest."
This fall, Drake has 3,878 full-time students, compared with 3,830 last fall. The number of full-time undergraduates and pharmacy students, considered the most important enrollment indicator of institutional health, is up to 3,378, compared with 3,336 last fall. Enrollment of part-time students also has grown to 1,343, up from 1,334 last fall.
Drake Law School's enrollment has risen to 474 this fall, up from 444 last year. Overall graduate enrollment is up as well with a total of 1,106 graduate students, compared with 1,075 last fall.
Retention of last year's first-year students surpassed 86 percent this fall, breaking the university's goal of a retention rate of 85 percent. Drake's retention rates have increased steadily over the past four years, climbing from 81 percent from 2000 to 2001 to this fall's rate of 86.1 percent.
"This is exceptionally good news and credit goes to faculty, staff members, fellow students, and all others who work with Drake students," Drake Provost Ron Troyer said. "The five percent improvement in retention during the past four years is remarkable."
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