September 9, 2008

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The University of West Alabama for the sixth consecutive year posts record enrollment, with a total of 4,249 students taking classes on-campus and online at the institution this fall, according to President Richard D. Holland.

This fall’s increase comes from an additional 267 graduate students, with 29 fewer undergraduates taking classes. Holland says this drop in undergraduate enrollment was expected due to the heightened admission standards put in place by the University.

“We raised the minimum college entrance exam scores this year in order to ensure UWA gets the quality students we need to remain competitive,” Holland said. “We anticipated a slight decrease in the number of freshmen this year, but we are pleased with the type of students we are admitting.”

In addition, UWA enacted a new tuition payment policy this year requiring students to either pay prior to the semester or have a plan in place to cover expenses. According to Holland, this system will eliminate the unpaid tuition bills at semester’s end.

This year, 2,141 students are taking classes online, with the majority seeking master’s degrees in education. In 2002, the program’s first year, only 13 students were enrolled.

“The tremendous growth of our online enrollment is due to the quality programs and the convenience offered by this type of coursework,” Holland said. “This growth has provided more money for us to enhance the residential experience.”

The University hopes to break ground on a new residence hall, which will house nearly 450 students, in May 2009. The dorm is schedule to open in fall 2010 and replace Spieth and Selden halls, which UWA plans to renovate to house academic and student support space.

“With the increased enrollment and exciting plans for construction on campus, we are anticipating another successful year,” Holland said. “I want to thank the faculty and staff for all their hard work in making UWA such a fine institution.”

For more information about attending The University of West Alabama, please contact the Office of Admissions at 1-888-636-8800.