UC releases preliminary enrollment data for 2010-11 freshman class

Preliminary data released today (Wednesday, July 14) show that more than 5,200 students have indicated plans to enroll in UC Berkeley’s 2010-11 freshman class. This is a level within the general enrollment target set by campus admissions officials.

The preliminary enrollment data, released by the University of California Office of the President for each campus in the UC system, are based on the number of students who in May 2010 submitted a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to a UC campus.

Not all students who submit an SIR will go on to enroll; final and official enrollment data for UC Berkeley will be available later in the fall semester.

UC Berkeley’s enrollment targets for the fall 2010-11 school year reflect a plan to bring California-resident enrollment levels closer in line with state funding levels. UC Berkeley — along with other UC campuses — is gradually reducing the number of overenrolled or unfunded California resident enrollment slots. There is no reduction, however, in available seats that the state has funded for California residents.

As part of an effort to expand the geographic diversity of the campus and expose the entire student population to more students from different regions, nations and cultures, the campus also increased the number of offers of admission to out-of-state students and international students. This has resulted in a significant increase in SIRs from non-residents. UC Berkeley has long viewed an increase in out-of-state and international students as an important — and positive — educational goal.

In addition, out-of-state and international students provide the campus with a crucial source of funding for reading and composition classes and other gateway courses, easing the way for undergraduates to earn their degrees in four years.

Campus officials have set a freshman enrollment target of approximately 5,050. Most UC campuses experienced higher-than-expected statements of intent to register for 2010-11. However, it is too soon to predict what the actual enrollment numbers will be.

Additional data regarding 2010-11 freshman class SIRs is available online.