EUGENE–New enrollment figures released from the University of Oregon Office of Admissions today (Nov. 5) show significant increases in the number of Oregon students–and in their test scores.

More than 300 more Oregon students are enrolled at the UO this year than there were last year, according to the latest figures. That is an increase of 277 resident undergraduate students for a total of 9,481, up from 9,204 in 1998-99, and of 28 more resident graduate students for a total of 994, up from 966.

At the same time, admissions officials note that freshmen coming to the UO boasted higher average grade-point averages, climbing from 3.35 GPAs in 1998-99 to 3.40 GPAs in 1999-2000. They also earned higher average verbal scores on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), which rose from 553.9 to 559.4, and higher average SAT mathematics scores, up from 549.3 to 553.8.

"The higher quality of our freshmen this year can be attributed to a number of factors," says Jim Buch, associate vice president for student academic affairs. "Our new Dean’s Scholarship program for high-achieving students is part of it. And it certainly underscores the status we’re achieving nationally as a ‘Best Buy’ in higher education."

The University of Oregon remains the state’s largest university, with a total of 16,716 students.

—30—

#O-4022/Local/PDX,OrDailies