MONMOUTH, Ore. -- Western Oregon University has released official enrollment figures for fall 2017, and highlights include a higher-than modeled enrollment number and a strong showing in diverse populations.

As a reflection of consistent declines in the number of high school graduates in Oregon, WOU's spring enrollment projections had modeled a drop in enrollment of up to 5 percent. However, actual enrollment numbers came in much higher, with a drop of less than two percent. Increases in transfer students and international students offset much of the change in first-time freshmen.

"Western Oregon University continues to be a top destination for Oregon high school graduates," said Rex Fuller, president of the university. "And we are thrilled to welcome a larger population of transfer students, both from our partner community colleges and other institutions. Our strategic plan prompts us to be the campus of choice for transfer students, and these numbers show we are headed in the right direction."

WOU also stands out as one of the most diverse Oregon public university campuses, including the following statistics:
* The highest percentage of students of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander heritage, continuing an established trend. In Feb. 2017, the Chronicle of Higher Education named WOU the top mainland university in the country for students of that background.
* The highest percentage of students identifying as Black or African-American among all state public universities, at 3.4 percent
* The highest percentage of Hispanic students of all state public universities, at 14 percent
* Virtually tied at the top with Eastern Oregon University for the percentage of American Indian or Alaska Native students.

WOU has established enrollment partnerships with two Oregon community colleges, and several more are in the works. These agreements help smooth the path for transfer students to transition to WOU, bearing out the university's vision to be the top destination for degree-seekers.

About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 and located in Monmouth, is the state's oldest public university. Serving approximately 5,300 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with nearly 80 percent of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon's campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.
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