Enrollment at HU stable for fall 2009 semester

Huntington, Ind.-Huntington University officials expect enrollment to be stable for the fall semester despite a turbulent economy. The Christian liberal arts college registered 203 incoming freshman for class on Saturday, the second highest number on record and 4.4 percent higher than the average number of students registered by this time in the previous five years.

An additional 45 freshmen have paid a deposit for the fall semester, but have not yet registered for classes. "We may have a higher number of new students who register later than last year," said Sarah Harvey, registrar. She noted that many graduate, adult and transfer students have not yet registered, given the different schedules of those academic programs.

Harvey added that total registration for the fall 2009 semester, including upperclassmen, is currently 3.6 percent higher than last year.

Huntington University enrolled a record-setting freshman class in 2008-2009.

We look to the future with confidence," said Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president. "While we expect overall enrollment to remain steady, we have anticipated in our budgeting process that the volatile economy might have an effect on new-student enrollment."

Dowden said that there are many factors that could impact fall enrollment, including still-to-be-determined state funding for student aid.

Huntington University awards more than $4.5 million in grants and scholarships annually. More than 90 percent of students receive some form of financial assistance. On average, the typical Huntington financial-aid package covers half of the cost of attendance.

Dowden encouraged faculty and staff to pray for students and parents as they make final college decisions during the remaining summer months.