Montana Colleges Report Enrollment Decline Since Last Year

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Enrollment at two Montana universities has declined since last year.

The University of Montana has announced a 4.3% overall enrollment decline from 10,962 to 10,487 students.

The Missoula university was hit with an 8.5% decline, about 600 students, in undergraduate enrollment.

School officials say if the number of incoming freshmen increases they could lift enrollment.

Currently, the incoming freshmen class has decreased from 1,172 to 1,141 students.

Enrollment at Montana State University has also declined, but as a result of a 4% increased graduation rate.

The Bozeman university recorded 16,766 students enrolled, about 140 students less than last year’s record-breaking number of students.

School officials say the annual number of graduates is 17% larger now than it was five years ago.