The release of Colorado Mesa University’s 2011 census report showed a 14.1 percent increase in the student population. Enrollment grew from 7,751 to 8,844. “The quality of our incoming students has continued to rise,” Executive Director of Marketing Rick Taggart said. The greatest number of first-time undergraduate students received an ACT composite score between 20-23 and a GPA of a 3.0-3.49. This year, the number of Distinguished Scholars grew from 48 to 83, the number of Trustee Scholars grew from 57 to 80 and the number of Presidential Scholars rose from 77 to 113. “Yes, they were offered scholarships here, but they were also offered scholarships all across the state,” Taggart said. “For those students to come here, that’s a very strong statement.” There are also a growing number of out-of-state students. There are 1,042 out-of-state students, which is an 11.9 percent increase from the previous year. The largest number of out-of-state students come from California, Hawaii, Wyoming and Utah. Recruiting in Hawaii began about 15 years ago, after a staff member from Hawaii pushed for recruitment on the island. Each year the admissions office recruits in Hawaii two to three times a year. “One of the most powerful tools of marketing is word of mouth,” Taggart said. “Current Hawaii students have spread the word about us.” One of the biggest contributing factors in CMU’s growth is the school’s affordability, location and atmosphere. Last year, while tuition rates continued to rise all across the state, CMU has continued to offer affordable education in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. “We’ve been able to keep [CMU] affordable,” Taggart said. “A 5 percent tuition increase was much lower than the rest of the state.” Taggart contributes campus life, size and facilities as a recruitment tool for potential students. “This campus is now magnificent,” Taggart said. “Once you get students on this campus, they fall in love with it.” Taggart said that CMU is a nice balance between big and small. Mesa has the ability to offer reasonably affordable education and state-of-the-art facilities while still maintaining small class sizes, and offering students the option to get to know their teachers. “You’re going to see a lot of smiles,” Director of Media Relations Dana Nunn said. “This is a very welcoming and friendly campus. You’re a name not a number.” To access the full census report go to www.coloradomesa.edu/ir/profiles.html. acastro@mavs.coloradomesa.edu