Western Oregon Welcomes The Most Diverse And Academically Prepared Students in School History

WOU is actively pursuing its global education with study abroad and more international students and faculty exchanges.

The Instructional Media Center on the Western Oregon University campus in Monmouth. Photo: State Archives

(MONMOUTH) - Enrollment at Western Oregon University has remained steady as planned at 4,889 students for the 2006-07 academic year.

Approximately 11.23 percent of the entering class comes from minority backgrounds, which is above the previous high of 9.11 percent in 2005.

The number of minority applicants has increased 44 percent and the number of minority admitted students has risen 34 percent. Among those admitted students,20 percent more registered for classes this year.

The students who have entered WOU this year are better prepared for the rigors of a four-year university. The student average of GPA has risen to 3.26, which is up from 3.19 for fall 2005.

The number of enrolled students who were ranked first in their high school graduating class has risen by over 50% over the past year.

The number of students who were in the top 20 percent of their senior class has increased from 178 to 205 students. While WOU was more selective with admitted students, it continued its emphasis to access to a college degree.

"Although WOU is seeing strong growth among domestic and international students, we maintain our historic commitment to personalized education and access to small and personalized education," said David Mc Donald, dean of admission, enrollment management, and retention. "We expect our enrollment will continue to grow with our dedication to affordable education and access with new programslike our Western Tuition Promise and dual enrollment agreements with community colleges and high schools."

WOU has seen an astounding increase in enrollment of international students, with the current increase at 600 percent. This year 120 international students from 11 nations joined the student body.

Western Oregon University is actively pursuing its global education with study abroad and more international students and faculty exchanges.