Enrollment is up 261 students, making the total enrollment number 9,115 – a number that tops last year’s 8,854.

“Despite concerns of TOPS funding and the flooding in southern Louisiana, our numbers have not just remained stable, but have grown,” President Nick Bruno said.

According to the university website, “a large amount of growth was evident in higher student retention rates with an increase of 58 percent to 66 percent in the first to third years.”

Bruno said the dedication of faculty and staff keeping students engaged in and outside of the classroom attributed to the high retention rates.

The growth of the enrollment isn’t the only thing that’s increased. eULM, the university’s online program for non-traditional students, saw the largest enrollment since the program began, bringing in a five percent increase. Last year, the program had 1,167 students. This year, 1,225 students are in the program.