Enrollment is down 7.3 percent at Minot State University for the spring semester, according to the university.
Enrollment stood at 3,369 students in the third week of classes, a decrease of 267 students from the spring 2010 enrollment of 3,384.
"Based on fall enrollment and recent community trends, the spring numbers are not surprising," said David Fuller, MSU president, in a press release. "We strongly feel the decrease in MSU's spring numbers can be traced to the turmoil of housing and issues related to last summer's Souris River flood."
Overall, MSU student enrollment showed decreases in key populations including total transfer and graduate students and Minot Air Force Base.
"Both Minot Air Force Base and graduate students represent nontraditional students who may be dealing with professional deployments or flood-related economic and personal pressures," Fuller noted.
Contiguous states such as South Dakota and Montana showed slight increases while neighboring Minnesota numbers remained comparable to last year. California, Florida and Nevada showed considerable increases over 2011.
Ward County student enrollment dropped; Cass and Burleigh Counties showed favorable increases. Canadian student numbers remained steady, while international student numbers increased, representing a five-year record high.
"We are encouraged by the large numbers of applications, accompanied by the steady enrollment of new freshman and new graduate students. Both indicate our marketing and recruiting efforts remain strong," Fuller said. "We are taking appropriate steps to reverse the overall trend and will continue to stay close to Minot Air Force Base and schools in Ward County to increase student submissions from the area."
Enrollment numbers at MSU become official after the fourth full week of classes, when they are reported to the North Dakota University System.