Skip Navigation

Southern Oregon University

Marketing and Communications

SOU Marks New Milestones in Winter Term Enrollment (2/5/09)

Southern Oregon University (SOU) reports the highest winter term student headcount since 2004. The new figures also show the university has reached an historic high in minority enrollment.

“These outstanding achievements are the result of an intensive team effort to increase recruitment and retention,” says SOU President Mary Cullinan. “Although the economy presents extraordinary challenges, SOU is in a stronger position than it has been in a number of years. With the help of our many supporters throughout the state, we will weather this fiscal storm and emerge stronger than ever.”

Here are highlights from the winter term enrollment figures:

  • Headcount is 5,490, a 4.2% increase over winter 2008, and the highest level since winter 2004.
  • Full Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment is 3,963, 1.4% more than winter 2008, and the highest level since winter 2005.
  • Minority student enrollment is 12.9%, the highest in SOU history.
  • 12.2% more Jackson County residents enrolled winter 2009 than winter 2008.
  • Foreign student enrollment increased 30.7% in winter 2009 compared to winter 2008.
  • New student enrollment is up 4.1% in winter 2009 compared to winter 2008.
  • SOU enrollment at the new SOU/RCC Higher Education Center (HEC) is up 52% over Medford enrollment in winter 2008.
  • Freshmen retention from fall to winter term showed a slight, but continuing improvement.