Enrollment for this semester is stable due to the record setting amount of freshmen enrolled in the university. U.S. News & World Report observed ULM as one of the best regional universities in the South.

ULM is now ranked a Tier One institution and is within the top 100 institutions among its peers.

“I believe the institution is pleased with these results considering it increases the standards set for the university,” said Jennifer Malone, director of recruitment and admissions. “Even with the higher standards, the freshman class is larger and academically stronger this year.”

Fall 2012 enrollment is approximately 8,560, which shows a decrease of 66 students compared to the fall of 2011. This change represents fewer part-time students as both full-time graduate and undergraduate students continue to increase.

The incoming freshmen not only increased in number, but academically as well. The number of freshmen has increased 10 percent compared to last year and also has the highest academic credentials in the history of the institution.

The average grade point average of this class is 3.38 and an ACT score of 22.3, whereas in fall 2011 the ACT average score was 21.8.

“In addition to exceeding many of the statewide performance goals defined by the Louisiana Grad Act, we are strategically recruiting high-ability students from within the region, state and abroad.

As more and more students discover ULM, we will continue to attract stronger, more academically prepared students,” said President Nick Bruno.

ULM’s graduation rate has increased approximately 5 percent during the past two years, and in May 2012, ULM awarded 891 degrees—the institution’s largest graduating class.

In addition, 2012 marks the institution’s largest percentage of ULM freshmen to ever receive TOPS.

These results show ULM’s strategy to increase graduation and prevent students from being held back. This will also aid students in graduating in a shorter amount of time.

“It’s an amazing achievement, especially with the present condition of Louisiana education. The majority of the credit should go to our Recruitment & Admissions Office,” said Jameson Johns, a senior pre-pharmacy major. “Without that office and the amazing people working in it, ULM would simply not be ULM.”

Students must meet requirements for the Louisiana Core 4 program. The program has increased requirements, which will set a higher standard for current and future students enrolled.

Transfer students are now required to have completed 18 college hours instead of 12.

“I think it makes ULM look better because I do not think ULM has always gotten the type of recognition it deserves,” said Chelsea Triche, a sophomore toxicology major. “Now with the higher ACT scores and GPA, I feel like ULM is finally getting its name out there.”

Malone explains that even with the Louisiana Core 4 requirements changed, students are a reflection of their high school institutions.

Bruno believes that by accomplishing these goals, the institution is reaching students from more diverse locations and ones that are more academically prepared.