EUGENE–The recent downturn in the world economy is having a ripple effect on students at Oregon’s largest university.

"We’re seeing a downturn in returning international students," says Jim Buch, the UO’s associate vice president for student academic affairs. "It is apparent that economic problems at home are causing these students to take a break in their higher education plans abroad."

At the same time, Oregon students are entering the UO in higher numbers.

Last year, the University of Oregon was one of the nation’s top 10 universities for proportion of international students, according to U.S. News & World Report. International students, drawn to the UO because of its strong international academic reputation, have accounted for more than 10 percent of the student body in past years.

This year, the UO’s total enrollment is down about 400 compared to last year. Approximately 275 non-returning international students account for more than two-thirds of that decrease. The remainder is accounted for by a decrease in the number of out-of-state U.S. citizens.

"The good news for Oregonians is that the number of in-state students is up significantly," Buch says. According to preliminary enrollment figures, the number of Oregonians coming to the University of Oregon is up by more than 200 this year compared with last year.

"At the UO and other schools, we are seeing a surge in Oregonians choosing their state’s public universities," Buch says. "Our local students appear to be recognizing what students around the world have known for years: That the University of Oregon offers a truly world class education. I hope these numbers serve as a wake-up call for increased public support for our schools."

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