SIU reports spike in enrollment applications for next year

CHICAGO (AP) — Southern Illinois University in Carbondale has received an increase in freshman applications for next academic year, officials said.

The school received 27% more freshman applications compared to the same time last year. Over 2,600 students have been admitted already, which is 21% increase, according to The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan.

School officials credit fresh recruitment efforts, including the addition of a St. Louis recruiter and a new campus visit program.

“When we see a direct relationship between effort and outcome, it makes us feel that maybe we are on to something,” Interim Provost Meera Komarraju said at a recent board of trustees meeting.

School officials said it is unclear whether the increased applications will lead to a bigger freshman class overall. The recruitment season is about one-third of the way through.