An email was sent on behalf of Provost Michael David Rudd to all faculty and staff Monday detailing an increased number of undergraduate applications for the fall 2014 semester at both the Main and Lambuth campuses of the University of Memphis.
The email highlighted the increased statistics and had an attached link that graphed the data on the applicants, such as if the applicants are in-state, out-of-state, international or transfers. The graph also accounted for transfer applications and border county residents.
The data shows that the University saw major increases in applicants in almost every category for undergraduate applicants compared to the fall 2013 semester, especially for out-of-state prospects.
The number of out-of-state applicants increased 229.8 percent while the Lambuth Campus saw an increase of 840 percent in out-of-state applications, although only 47 people applied.
Steve McKellips, director of Admissions at the U of M, believes there are many reasons for the increase in applications from out-of-state students, but cited a U.S News & World Report that placed the U of M in the top ten for student internships.
"The Main Campus delivers on future careers for its students, and people are considering that when they are thinking of schools to apply to," McKellips said.
The University is also offering more scholarship programs for non-residents that makes it much more affordable.
As far as general applications at the U of M, there are many possible reasons as to why the increase occurred for the upcoming fall semester. The scholarship deadline was moved from February to December, forcing students to apply earlier than usual.
The University also implemented an Application Fee Waiver system, which replaces the application fee. The eligibility takes into account an individual's ACT/SAT score, status as a ward of the state or placement in foster care and participation in the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program.
McKellips also credits the recruitment staff for the rise in applications.
"There have been tremendous efforts from the recruitment staff, both directly and indirectly," McKellips said. "They have been calling high school seniors and talking to them about the U of M, as well as sending emails and meeting them face to face."
The U of M has also seen a 24.5 percent increase in transfer applications for the fall 2014 semester. While returning home may be a huge deciding factor to transfer, only 28 percent of the transfer applications came from outside of Tennessee. McKellips credits the maturity of the students as a big reason they transfer.
"After students go to school somewhere, they realize what they want to study," McKellips said. "They know which schools offer the best programs and go to get it."
The Lambuth Campus has seen a monumental growth in applications for the fall 2014 semester. With less than 1,000 students, many are applying there for a private school feel with a public school cost.
"The Lambuth Campus is beginning to become its own realized school," McKellips said. "Many students don't want to go to a school with 23,000 students. They want the dynamic of a university in the country. It's a small school with a small price tag."
As for what future application rates have in store, the admissions department has no definite answer.
"The majority of the applications are behind us," McKellips said. "Most high school seniors have found their place. There may be more applications in the future, but certainly not as many as we have received already."
Franklin Wallace, a 17-year-old senior at Faith Heritage Christian Academy, is planning on attending the U of M in the fall to study architecture.
"It's a great local school and a lot of kids don't realize that," Wallace said. "The architecture program is amazing, so I don't have any reason to move out of town for my studies."
In order to gain experience, Wallace is planning on interning sometime during his college career.
Luke Enzor, a Memphis native, transferred to the University of Memphis from Mississippi State for the fall 2013 semester.
"I wanted more aspects of the college life," Enzor said. "I really wanted to become more involved."
Enzor also said changing majors as a reason he returned to Memphis.
"I changed my major from biology to communications with a focus in film and video," Enzor said. "The University of Memphis has a much better film curriculum and a better Communications Department overall."
