Despite a failing economy, enrollment for this semester has increased compared to last spring, and the enrollment office is looking for ways to bring in more students for next fall.

Although the concrete numbers for enrollment are not available yet, “we are looking at 700 or so over last (spring),” said Pete Goldsmith, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.

“This means that retention numbers are up,” he said. He explained how it is a good thing for the students and the university because more tuition money helps the university.

Kent State has also seen an increase in applications for freshmen, international and transfer students.

Associate director of admissions Mark Ledoux said that there are about 50 more freshman applications and 170 more transfer applications than last spring semester.

“(It) shows there is more interest,” he said. “Particularly in transfer students.”

Transfer students have come from a variety of areas, including from community colleges or local students who go away for college and come back.

Administrators are seeing the economy affecting enrollment.

“Students are coming to Kent State from higher priced institutions (and) going from Kent to community colleges or regional campuses,” Goldsmith said.

He said Kent State fits the bill for students from private institutions who can’t afford the price anymore, or out-of-state students who need to move home.

Students and their families are evaluating what they can afford, he said. Kent State is aware students and their families are worried about paying bills and concerned about jobs. Therefore, the university is trying to suggest that college is an affordable choice. Events like the Financial Aid Workshop, which takes place tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Cartwright Auditorium, show students and families they can afford higher education.

Contact news correspondent Kelly Petryszyn at [email protected].