CSU breaks enrollment record during pandemic

Enrollment at California State University campuses is up since the pandemic began, according to the Chancellor’s Office.

The university system had 485,549 students enroll for the fall semester. It had 481,929 students enrolled in the university in the fall of 2019. This breaks the enrollment record of 484,297 from the fall of 2017.

“The record enrollment of 485,549 students reflects the confidence that state residents have in the California State University,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White in a statement. “I commend the creativity and hard work of our faculty and staff who implemented innovative ways to carry on our tradition of inclusive academic excellence, despite the current pandemic and necessary transition to virtual instruction. Their efforts enabled us to welcome our new students and to connect and engage with all students like never before.”

University enrollment fell about 4% nationwide.

The enrollment increases are due, in part, to an all-time high retention rate of 85.5% for first-year students, according to the university. Fresno State, Sacramento State and CSU Bakersfield had record high enrollments.