Earl G. Yarbrough Sr The Savannah State University total enrollment figure for fall 2008 is 3,453 students, representing the largest enrollment in the university's history. Total enrollment, including graduate and undergraduate students, is up 9% from the fall of last year, representing a 4% increase from the projected enrollment of 3,250 students.

Savannah State's total enrollment, according to the University System of Georgia's (USG) fall 2008 "Semester Enrollment Report," ranks third among state universities, and ninth among all 35 institutions for percentage increase in enrollment and full-time enrollment.

"The enrollment increase is largely due to the extraordinary efforts of our admissions, enrollment management and financial aid offices, as well as the campus wide commitment of faculty and staff, who continue to support efforts to bring students with diverse backgrounds into the Savannah State family," said Adrian Cornelius, dean of Enrollment Management.

Starting spring 2008, Savannah State began revamping its outreach efforts to new students. These initiatives include Open Campus Day events and New STAR (New Students Testing, Advisement, and Registration), a revised program that drew hundreds of newly admitted students-- another record for the university to campus for early summer matriculation. Another program, "College Opportunities for the Adult Learner," drew adults contemplating a return to college or enrollment for the first time.

These outreach efforts emphasize attendance at new-student orientation with sessions on developing academic skills and joining campus activities. Cornelius explains that securing record attendance at these recruitment programs translated into the enrollment of new students, representing an increase of 48% over last year, or an increase of 364 students. This boost in new students ranks Savannah State second among state universities and second among all USG colleges and universities. Likewise, the number of beginning freshman increased at an impressive rate of 49% over last fall. This increase ranks Savannah State second among state universities and second among all USG colleges and universities.

This year, the USG enrollment report shows Savannah State at 85% fulltime enrollment, placing the university in fifth place for the entire USG system, and second place among the state universities. Over the last decade, the university has ranked consistently in the upper 15 % among all USG institutions and first or second among state universities.

"Together our campus, alumni, and community supporters are doing a remarkable job reaching out to incoming students, said Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., president of Savannah State University. "Our improved recruitment programs highlight our nurturing environment, high academic standards, and the value added to every individual who attends our institution."

Established in 1890, Savannah State is on the move to become the best value-added university in the nation. The university's approximately 3,400 students are enrolled in 23 undergraduate degree majors and five graduate programs in three colleges: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Business Administration and Sciences and Technology.