TTU has a record-breaking student enrollment for the sixth straight year in a row, according to preliminary statistics, and much of this fall’s increase is in undergraduate students.

“The number of our first-time freshmen is above 1,500 for the first time ever, so that presents a very strong increase,” says Bobby Hodum, interim executive director of Enrollment Management. “Such a significant increase in first-time freshmen, in fact, is indicative of a more long-term, sustainable growth in enrollment, and we’re excited about that."

This fall’s preliminary enrollment currently stands at around 9,707, which is up nearly 4 percent from last fall’s final total of 9,313.

Of that total, approximately 1,533 are first-time freshmen, which is an increase of 109 from last year’s final number of 1,424.

“It’s a positive achievement anytime an institution can increase its first-time freshmen enrollment by more than 100 students,” Hodum says.

The College of Engineering and independent programs, which includes general curriculum and general health studies students, saw the greatest number of first-time freshmen increases, at 41 and 44 respectively.

At a preliminary total of 682, undergraduate transfer student enrollment is also up — by 41 more than last year’s 641. The greatest number of new undergraduate transfer students is enrolled in the College of Education.

Undergraduate enrollment as a whole is up from 7,255 last year to a tentative 7,598 this year – an increase of 343.

“Admissions, in conjunction with Financial Aid and the Scholarship Office, have worked hard in the past year to provide more personal attention to students and prospective students, and it’s rewarding to see that effort pay off,” Hodum says.

He adds that he expects his office to continue finding different ways in the future to provide more personal attention to students with the hope of continuing to encourage increased enrollment.

“I’m very proud of all our Enrollment Management staff,” Hodum says. “In addition, I believe Rebecca Tolbert’s involvement in this year’s record enrollment was substantial, in spite of her recent retirement as associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management. We will be benefiting from her influence for many years.”

The university also renewed its marketing and advertising efforts this past year, hiring a full-time marketing director and allocating dedicated marketing funds for the first time in several years. Marketing was targeted for students in three large segments of the state.

"We're excited to see the direct impact our marketing efforts have made," says Tracy Black, marketing director. "We are continuing our research, targeting and creative efforts to make sure we reach potential students and their influences."

Graduate enrollment is also up slightly, from last year’s total of 2,058 to a tentative 2,109.

Final numbers are expected by early next week.