University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	Sept. 9, 1998
Contact: Cheryl Ernst, 808 956-5941

University of Hawai'i releases opening enrollment counts The University of Hawai'i system will again serve 71,000 to 72,000 students in credit and non-credit programs during fall 1998. Six of 10 UH campuses reported opening enrollment increases in credit programs for a preliminary opening head count of 45,248. Another 1,500 students are expected to enroll in continuing education credit offerings, bringing the fall 1998 count to more than 46,700. Non-credit enrollments will be available later in the semester. As in previous years, UH anticipates serving about 25,000 students in non-credit offerings. Enrollment Highlights--1998 Credit Programs Both UH Hilo and UH West O'ahu post an opening enrollment increase--nearly 4 percent for Hilo and close to 6 percent for West O'ahu-compared to a comparable date last fall. UH Community Colleges enrollment showed little change from last year, with Hawai'i, Honolulu, Kapi'olani and Maui reporting increases and Kaua'i, Leeward and Windward experiencing declines. (At Kaua'i CC, 80­100 students previously counted in regular credit programs are now being served through non-credit and distance learning classes.) An estimated 450-plus students are expected to enroll in continuing education credit programs, boosting fall enrollment to about 25,500 or more. UH Manoa's enrollment, down by about 3 percent from last fall, is expected to be about 17,862 once an anticipated 1,037 continuing education credit students are added. While modest, recent tuition increases have almost certainly affected some students' decisions, there is no clear pattern linking tuition rate with enrollment numbers. The preliminary opening enrollment numbers do suggest that a combination of other factors continue to impact enrollment levels at UH, however. Stabilization of enrollments across the system reflects attention to the quality of services provided and student recruitment efforts. Average number of credits taken by students have increased 3 percent in recent years, so the decline in head count has not resulted in a comparable decline in demand for courses. The number of graduates has increased-UH Manoa graduated 4 percent more students in 1996­97 than four years earlier. More timely student completion and efficient resource use result in a somewhat smaller student body. The on-going shift of remedial instruction from credit to non credit programs continues to account for some enrollment decline in UH Community Colleges regular credit programs. The current economic situation in Asia and other countries discourages non-resident enrollment. Hawai'i's economy also raises concerns for prospective students.    Campus Fall 1997 Enrollment Fall 1998 Enrollment Number Change Percent Change System Total 45,674 45,248* - 426 - 0.9 UH Manoa 17,320 16,825 - 495 -2.9 UH Hilo 2,598 2,696 98 3.8 UH-West Oahu 650 687 37 5.7 UH Community Colleges: 25,106 25,040 - 66 - 0.3 Hawaii CC 2,286 2,335 49 2.1 Honolulu CC 4,023 4,161 138 3.4 Kapiolani CC 7,206 7,302 96 1.3 Kauai CC 1,274 1,127 - 147 - 11.5 Leeward CC 5,975 5,771 - 204 - 3.4 Maui CC 2,804 2,836 32 1.1 Windward CC 1,538 1,508 - 30 - 2.0 NOTE: Reflects total headcount enrollment for Fall 1998 as of the close of the last day of late registration at each campus. *An additional 1500-pus enrollments are expected in countinuing education credit programs bringing this total to more than 46,700 SOURCES: Office of the Chancellor for Community Colleges; UH-West Oahu Student Services Office; UH Manoa and UH Hilo Admissions and Records Office.

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