Freshman enrollment in 2004 and 2005 at The University of Memphis is the best in nearly 20 years.
Altogether, The U of M has 2,074 freshmen out of 20,465 students. Enrollment is down less than one percent compared to last year's 20,688.
"We look at our numbers for first-time freshman which are consistent from last year," said Stephanie Thompson, associate director of institutional research.
Thompson said this is due to the reduction of credit hours.
"More students are now able to be classified as sophomores, juniors and seniors," she said.
Thompson said students are coming because they are impressed with The University. "We've got some very strong programs here," she said.
James Wong, a senior management information systems major, said he believed more students were attending because of the moderately low tuition and accessible financial aid.
"The Hope Scholarship has a lot to do with it," he said. "When they introduced in-state tuition for people in Arkansas and Mississippi, that's another reason why so many people are attending."
Another factor in the increase are student evacuees from New Orleans and other areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.
"We got a lot of additional transfers because of Katrina students," Thompson said.
Essence Harris, freshman international business major, said she believes another reason is convenience of location.
"I'm from Memphis and it is cheaper," she said.
Programs within The University had been benefiting from the surge of freshmen. One of them is the Honors Program. More than 10 percent of their first-semester freshman joined the program.
Melinda Jones, the University Honors Program director, said she thought the many benefits attracted the large number of students.
"Our activities range from fun to intellectual," she said.
The Honors Program is also a way to ensure future success.
"I tell students that if they want an edge in the job market, they should join," Jones said.
The entire program has 993 members, an increase of 61 from 2004.
The Honors Program began in 1972 as a way to get students "who represent the best values of higher learning."
Harris is also an Honors student and said the program has been helpful.
"They give you a lot of assistance," Harris said.
Though attendance is on a rise, it is not certain if the trend will continue.
"It's hard to say. It depends on economic conditions," Thompson said.
