The University of Washington, Bothell is seeing record enrollment for fall 2009. The campus welcomed 2,374 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, or a headcount of 2,801 when classes began in late September. With these figures, the campus is currently overenrolled at 116 percent.

By comparison, when classes began in fall 2008, UW-Bothell had an FTE of 1,899 and a headcount of 2,288.

Says Chancellor Kenyon S. Chan, “These numbers are a great reflection of our institution and its benefits to our region. Students know that when they attend UW-Bothell they will not only receive the knowledge, skills and professional preparation needed to be successful in the market, but they will do so on a campus that encourages and supports student/faculty interaction, collaboration and research.”

The incoming student pool for fall 2009 saw a 66 percent increase in freshman applications; a 30 percent increase in transfer applications; and a 37 percent increase in freshman students of color. The incoming freshman class totals 306 students (126 of whom are first-generation college attendees) and the incoming transfer class has 454 students. As a measure of UW-Bothell’s reach, the incoming students represent more than 80 high schools, 20 community and four-year colleges, 12 countries and at least 10 counties in the state, with students from as near as Bothell to as far away as China, India, Kenya and Nepal.

Increases in enrollment are attributed to UW-Bothell’s commitment to being the regional leader in higher education and its mission of creating access and opportunity for all, actualized by the creation of new and innovative programs of study and the cultivation of students from across the state, with a particular focus on diverse and first generation students (students identified as the first in their families to attend college).

UW-Bothell is continually growing to meet the needs of the region. In fall 2009 it opened its first student-housing complex (now housing 38 students), as well as the State Route 522 access ramp to create greater access to campus. In the works — $5 million for the design of a third campus building to house the institution’s growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) offerings.

With a goal of enrolling 5,000 students by 2020, the campus will grow its academic offerings each year as it continues its recruitment efforts.