Figures released today by the Kansas Board of Regents show that Emporia State’s overall enrollment is down once again, a consistent trend in recent years.

On the 20th day of classes last year, ESU had a total of 5,976 students. This year, that number is 5,867, a 1.8 percent decrease.

But for the first time in past five years, ESU’s figures show an increase in new freshmen, transfer and graduate students, according to a press release sent to The Bulletin this afternoon by Gwen Larson, assistant director of Marketing and Media Relations. Additionally, the new freshmen’s average ACT score is higher than 22, almost a full point higher than the previous 21.6, the press release said.

“Our new recruiting strategies have been successful,” said Jim Williams, vice-president for student affairs, who leads the enrollment management team, in the press release. “Now we have to retain this group.”

The goal for this new class of students, Williams said, is to move from 70 to 75 percent retention.

ESU is ranked as a Tier 1 Top 100 Regional University in the 2012 edition of “Best Colleges” compiled by U.S. News & World Report. The publication also cited ESU’s School of Business as a best value for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Of the seven regent schools, ESU remains the university with lowest enrollment rate. More on this story to follow in The Bulletin’s Oct. 4 issue.