The Kansas Board of Regents says that overall, enrollment is down slightly this fall at the state’s universities and community colleges. Washburn logged the largest decrease among universities, with a drop of more than 3 percent. That's being attributed to fewer enrollments by transfer students, and a decrease in returning students. Washburn President Jerry Farley says the improving economy may have played a role.
Farley says the school is working on efforts to attract new students. And he points out that Washburn Technical Institute saw a big increase in enrollment this year, likely due to a state tuition program that pays for technical college classes. Enrollment was down slightly at KU and up at both K-State and Emporia State.
Wichita State saw a decrease of around 2 percent, while Pittsburg State increased more than 1 percent. Fort Hays State is up about 1 percent.