UT Tyler Celebrates 7 Percent Enrollment Increase

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announces a seven percent enrollment increase for fall 2014. Preliminary enrollment is 8,114, President Rodney H. Mabry announced in a news release. Last year at this time the total headcount was 7,534 on the 12th class day, which is the fall census date. “We are truly excited about the significant increases in enrollment we are experiencing, last year and this year, especially against the backdrop of flat or decreasing enrollment at other institutions in East Texas,” Mabry said. “Our increases show that students believe they get a high-quality education here at a good price. UT Tyler’s ‘value proposition’ is very high.” Students understand that they can get a flagship-level education without the hassle of going to much larger, expensive universities in large urban areas, he added.

The increase in enrollment is attributed to increases in retention of current students, as well as new transfers, graduate students, and international students. “In addition, we are finding new markets to address the declining student applicant population that is coming from the end of the increase that came from the baby boom generation,” said Sarah Bowdin, assistant vice president for enrollment management. “The new markets are receptive to our quality-at-affordable-price message, so they are coming to UT Tyler. We’ve seen increases in transfer and graduate students. We’ve also put a greater emphasis on online courses that responds to how some students want their education now.”

The university recruits in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin, as well as the East Texas area. Outstanding academic programs and notable faculty are still among UT Tyler’s most attractive features, according to the news release. “We still believe that top-rated faculty, a we-care-that-you-succeed culture, mixed with the best facilities and beautiful campus, are what make a very special university. While excited about our growth, we’re not inclined to put a number on where the university could go. Whether 10,000, 12,000, 14,000 or 24,000, our promise is that, whatever size, we will always be known as the university that teaches well and makes absolutely sure its students succeed on our campus and in the workplace,” Mabry added.