NACOGDOCHES, Texas - More than 11,800 students are enrolled in classes at Stephen F. Austin State University this spring, a decrease of less than 1 percent from one year ago.
According to the latest official census report, SFA enrollment decreased by 105 students, from 11,917 in spring 2012 to 11,812 in spring 2013. Undergraduate enrollment dropped by 208 students with freshmen, sophomore and senior enrollment decreasing, while the number of juniors attending increased. Graduate enrollment increased by 103 students, including a 9.7-percent increase in master's students and a 6.8-percent increase in doctoral students.
Enrollment in the James I. Perkins College of Education and the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture increased by 3.3 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. The other four colleges reported decreases, including 4.9 percent in the College of Business, 4.0 percent in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, 2.5 percent in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and 0.1 percent in the College of Fine Arts.
Hispanic enrollment at SFA continues to rise. The number of Hispanic students enrolled increased 14.6 percent, from 1,234 to 1,414. This follows a 16.9-percent increase in Hispanic enrollment from fall 2011 to fall 2012.
"The increase in enrollment of Hispanic students reflects efforts across campus to meet the goals of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Closing the Gaps initiatives," said Dr. Richard Berry, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The education plan was adopted in 2000 with the goal of closing the gaps in student participation and success, increasing the number of nationally recognized programs or services as Texas universities, and increasing the level of federal science and engineering research in the state.
Enrollment of black or African-American students decreased 5.2 percent, from 2,760 in spring 2012 to 2,616 this year. The number of white students decreased 1.8 percent, from 7,072 to 6,942.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!