BOCA RATON — Just weeks before the 2012-2013 semester begins on Aug. 27, Lynn University is projecting an increase in enrollment—with international students representing one of the largest areas of growth.
“The increase in international students is great timing since they will be part of a historic event that will help them better understand the American political process,” said Gareth Fowles, vice president of enrollment management, referring to the presidential debate to be held on Lynn’s campus Oct. 22. “They will have a unique perspective that can add a lot to the value of the university hosting the debate.”
Although the final enrollment numbers are not available until drop/add is complete in early September, assuming current numbers continue to increase, final enrollment of international students will be the best on record.
As of July 31, the number of completed international applications is up 19 percent. Lynn anticipates its international student enrollment will increase by some 49 percent compared to fall 2011. The previous high for international students was 126 in 2005.
Top nations represented in order by citizenship are Colombia, Saudi Arabia, China, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ecuador and Spain.
Lynn University has enjoyed a high percentage of international students for years—last year the school was ranked number four in the United States for the percentage of international students by U.S. News & World Report.
“We’ve always focused on international student recruitment as part of our admissions strategy, but I also think the news about Lynn hosting the debate in the international media may have helped increase our name recognition,” Fowles said. “Their presence on campus exposes American students to different cultures and beliefs which enhance the exchange of ideas in the classroom, a key tenet to our core curriculum, the Dialogues of Learning.”
This exchange will be greatly enhanced in the more than 80 debate-related classes the school will roll out for students this semester.
The growth in international students is one of the more dramatic increases for Lynn’s incoming class which currently available numbers show will likely be the largest class since 2007.
As of July 31, the number of completed overall applications increased 14 percent over 2011. The top majors are business, sports management, psychology, communication, media and politics, fashion management and hospitality.
The state of California has seen the greatest increase in prospective students.
“Our growth in first-time students is a credit to the collaborative efforts between the admissions office and faculty members,” Fowles said. “Our faculty put a great effort into meeting prospective students, talking to them on the phone and answering their questions throughout the application process. This is large factor in our continued success.”