UHV third in the nation for fastest growing student enrollment
The University of Houston-Victoria was the third fastest-growing public master’s institution in the nation from 2000 to 2010, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2012-2013 Almanac released Aug. 31.
During the last decade, UHV total student population grew from 1,698 in fall 2000 to 4,095 in fall 2010, a growth rate of 141.2 percent. The percentage growth is the third highest of any U.S. public university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.
UHV has continued its swift growth this decade. Enrollment increased to 4,330 in fall 2011 and is expected to escalate again when official preliminary fall enrollment numbers are released in mid-September. Enrollment jumped 155 percent from fall 2000 to fall 2011.
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| Phil Castille |
“These figures show just how rapid and dramatic growth has been,” UHV President Phil Castille said. “We are serving more students than ever at our sites in Victoria, suburban Houston and online. It’s exhilarating and satisfying to see UHV listed in the top three in growth in the entire country.”
To compile the list, The Chronicle of Higher Education used U.S. Department of Education data based on total head count of full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. The top 20 public master’s institutions and top 20 public research institutions were listed in the almanac.
In the top 20 lists were seven University of Texas System universities and two Texas A&M University System institutions. UHV had the highest percentage gain in Texas.
“We are proud to be in the same company as several respected universities in the UT and Texas A&M University systems,” Castille said.
UHV has experienced its largest enrollment gains in the past five years. The total number of UHV students rocketed 63 percent from 2006 to 2011.
The fall of 2010 marked the first time underclassmen were able to take classes at UHV. Before that, the university offered classes for juniors, seniors and graduate students. This fall’s freshman class is expected to set an enrollment record when preliminary fall numbers are released.
“The growth continues to be driven by UHV’s reputation for providing quality education at an affordable price,” Castille said.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
