Purdue Touts Record Enrollment, Graduation Rates

The tuition and fee recommendations will now go to the Executive Committee for a May 31 public hearing

Purdue University says more students than ever are taking classes on the West Lafayette campus while graduation rates have also hit an all-time high. The university has welcomed a record 40,451 students this semester, which is an increase of more than 1,000 from last year.

Purdue says the incoming freshman class of 7,243 is also the largest since 2006. The announcement comes after the university reported in February a record number of applications for the fall semester. At that time, Purdue had received 47,475 applications and that number has since been increased to 48,285.

"Our goal is to offer a high-quality education at the highest proven value to as many students as we can," said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. "The increase in our enrollment is a testament to this commitment."

The university says four- and six-year graduate rates increased to 56 percent and 77 percent, respectively. Purdue credits the record numbers to many of its student success programs, such as Boiler Gold Rush and Learning Communities, among others.