September 14, 2005

     

    Enrollment approaches maximum capacity
     

    REXBURG, Idaho-
    Writer: Daniel Mower
    BYU-Idaho statistical information at: http://www.byui.edu/academicoffice/sjb/stats/index.htm
     

    With its buildings and grounds virtually brimming with students, enrollment at Brigham Young University-Idaho is approaching its limit. This fall, total enrollment pushed upward 748 students compared to the same time last year.

    Official fall enrollment is 11,273 full-time equivalent students, compared to 10,767 for Fall Semester of 2004. (Full-time equivalent or FTE is calculated by dividing the total number of credits being taken by 15.)

    “The FTE level that we are targeting as maximum enrollment is 11,600. The target is to reach this by Fall 2006,” Registrar Kevin Miyasaki said.

    The actual head count stands at 12,303, compared to 11,555 for last fall. Enrollment includes 4,127 freshmen, 2,610 sophomores, 2,428 juniors and 3,138 seniors.

    “Added faculty, building additions and renovation have accompanied the steady growth of BYU-Idaho,” said Miyasaki. “Every office has gone through changes and innovations with the change to BYU-Idaho and its growth.”

    The number of married students has increased slightly and stands at 2991, or 24.3 percent of the student body. Last year at the same time, there were 2982 married students (25.8 percent of the student body).

    The number of students who served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at an all-time high of 4807 students.

    University status has brought about changes in the workload students carry. “As our student body has evolved, we have seen a steady decrease of the average number of credit hours per student, as compared to when we were a junior college,” Miyasaki said.

    The university has 8,556 continuing students, with 3,134 new students and 613 returning after an absence of one or more semesters, including those who are re-entering after serving church missions.

    There are 6,724 females (54.7 percent) compared to 5,579 male students.

    The number of students from Idaho continues to increase, standing at 4,302. However, Miyasaki attributes this increase to married students originally from other states now using Idaho as their home address.

    Other states with high numbers of students are Utah, 1,214; California, 1,131; and Washington, 920. There are 330 international students representing
    45 countries.

    The most popular majors are business (1,249 students), general studies (1,164 students), elementary education (806 students), biology
    (745 students), and communication (700 students).
     

     

    Style guide note: When reporting about Brigham Young University-Idaho, please use the complete name of the university in the first reference.

    Brigham Young University-Idaho, formerly Ricks College, is a four-year private university located in Rexburg, Idaho. The university, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers both baccalaureate and associate degrees; integrated degrees and internships that are tailored to fit students' interests; a year-round track system allowing more students to attend; and an extensive activities program that provides leadership and growth experiences. It is the largest private university in Idaho, with over 11,000 students enrolled for winter 2005.


     

    Media Relations
    Bryce J Rydalch
    Kimball 226, Rexburg, ID 83460
    (208) 496-2108 rydalchb@byui.edu