Tri-State University’s new fall student enrollment increased by 33 percent over last year, according to an admission application report from the TSU Office of Admission.

The 496 new students break down to a 40 percent increase in the University’s Jannen School of Arts & Sciences; a 34 percent increase in its Franks School of Education; and a 26 percent increase in its Allen School of Engineering & Technology.

TSU’s English Language Center Program, reinstated this year after a phase-out in the ’90s, attracted 23 international students who will be admitted directly into TSU degree programs after strengthening their English proficiency. TSU’s Franks School of Education received accreditation through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) after a focused visit by the organization late last year, underscoring the strength and appeal of those programs.

Vice President of Enrollment Management Scott Goplin attributed the enrollment jump to a five-year enrollment marketing plan implemented in fall 2005, in which TSU “has aggressively pursued the development of new academic and activity programming, a master plan to address facility needs, and deliberate and innovative programming to improve student retention,” he said.

The master plan included the construction of TSU’s University Center and Center for Technology and Online Resources and three new student apartment buildings, which drew support from current students and attracted the public’s attention. A successful $90 million capital campaign wrapping up in fall 2009 also fueled energy and excitement, he said.

Other factors include polished admission and marketing efforts to communicate a consistent TSU message; new academic and activity programs such as the five-year master degree in civil and mechanical engineering, an entrepreneurship major, and minors in robotics, metallurgy, architecture, and music; increased academic standards and the availability of scholarships and financial aid; the transition to National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III membership, improved athletic recruitment and retention, and the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse; an ROTC “crosstown” agreement allowing TSU students to take advantage of U.S. Air Force scholarships and training through the University of Notre Dame; and admission office outreaches through high schools and college fairs.