That’s according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And it’s good news for Kansans, who today will learn about record enrollment at their state’s largest university.
But with this record comes new challenges, and a reminder that our economic prosperity depends on continued state support for higher education.
The exact numbers to be released by the Kansas Board of Regents at noon will show for the first time that the University of Kansas student body exceeds 30,000.
Seven in 10 of these students are from Kansas. KU’s freshman class has an all-time high ACT score and contains a record number of minority students.
Enrollment increases are likely at other Kansas universities, too. This is good news because more college students — and eventually more college graduates — create greater economic prosperity.
At KU we believe our enrollment increase is partially a response to the Four-year Tuition Compact we introduced in 2007. It guarantees freshmen a fixed tuition rate for four years, the time it takes to earn most undergraduate degrees.
This predictability has been welcomed by students and families. But it also places financial constraints on the university, as 8,000 of our current students are now immune from any tuition increase that might be needed to offset rising costs in utilities or technology.
Since the tuition paid by an in-state undergraduate covers only about half of the actual cost of educating that student, it is even more important that the state of Kansas holds up its end of the bargain.
Because of the difference between price and cost, KU does not experience a “windfall” from higher enrollment.
If it is in the long-term best interests of Kansas to have a well-educated work force — and there is little doubt that it is — then it follows that we must be willing to devote our resources to creating that workforce.
Unfortunately, despite great support from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and the majority of legislators, the percentage of KU’s budget from state funding has declined over the past two decades.
KU currently receives less than a quarter of its budget from the state’s general fund, with tuition now outpacing state funding in support for an in-state student’s education.
An educated work force is key to restoring our economic prosperity, but it requires a sustained commitment to higher education.
A record number of students are making a commitment to an education at KU. With sustained, increased state support the university will be able to maintain the educational excellence that has long been our hallmark.
Join the discussion
Share your observations and experiences about news. Lively, open debate is the goal, but please refrain from personal attacks or comments that are racist, vulgar or otherwise inappropriate. If you see an inappropriate comment, please click the "Report as violation" link to notify a KansasCity.com editor. Thanks for your feedback.