Student enrollment surpassed the 7,000 mark for the first time in five years, according to Nicholls enrollment statistics released last week. The University enrolled 255 more students this fall, compared to last year. The 3.7 percent increase represents a total student enrollment of 7,185 students.

The University eliminated seven academic programs, two of which were 2-year programs, at the start of the semester in response to state-mandated budget cuts. Despite reductions in programs and services on campus, the University administration remains optimistic by gains in enrollment.

“The enrollment numbers are very encouraging,” University President Stephen Hulbert said in a news release.

The fall enrollment numbers are at the highest level since the University transitioned to selective admissions during the fall 2005 semester. In fall 2004, the last year of open admissions, 7,482 students enrolled in courses at Nicholls.

The University administration said selective admission provides Nicholls with students already prepared for college-level coursework.

“From the Bayou Region and beyond, we are welcoming more and more students of an increasingly high academic caliber,” Hulbert said. “Their education is our primary mission, and while Nicholls is facing financial challenges, our commitment to protect and strengthen our academic core will always be paramount.”

The administration expects the gains in enrollment to better position the University during the upcoming reorganization of the state’s higher education system.

“The University is educating mostly Louisiana students,” Larry Howell, associate provost, said in a news release. “More than 94 percent of Nicholls students are Louisiana residents who will mostly stay in Louisiana.