LHU students on Ivy Lane between classes. They are part of LHU's record number of students.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Enrollment at Lock Haven University has hit a record high. The fall 2009 enrollment figures show a total headcount of 5,329 students as of September 21, the 15th day of classes and the official “census date” for determining enrollment.

Figures provided by the Office of Institutional Research indicate that enrollment is up in nearly all categories. A record 4,642 students are on the main campus. The number of undergraduates at the Clearfield campus is 402, the highest number since 2005. In addition, LHU has 285 graduate students, the highest number since 2005.

Also contributing to LHU’s record enrollment is a 2% increase in second-year persistence rates. According to Deborah Erickson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, “The increased persistence rate shows the commitment of the entire Lock Haven campus community. It reflects the nurturing and guidance of our students by everyone involved in their life at LHU including those in the dorms, at campus activities and in the classroom.”

LHU’s enrollment of new students is the second highest on record. Although the number of new first-time students is down slightly from last year, the number of new transfer students is the highest on record. Stephen Lee, director of admissions, sees a correlation between the increase in transfer students and the state of the economy. “In these difficult times,” he said, “we are seeing more students transferring to Lock Haven University from private institutions.” He adds, “The feedback we are getting is that these students have chosen LHU for its quality and greater affordability.”

Data from the Office of Institutional Research also show that Pennsylvania students comprise 90.2% of the LHU student body.

“Record enrollment is a tribute to the quality programs offered at Lock Haven University,” stated Erickson. She added, “We look forward to further growth as we increase course offerings and new programs. Even as we grow, we will continue to offer a quality classroom learning environment, as well as a caring, community atmosphere.”