Fall enrollment at Minot State University is down 2.7 percent from the fall of 2011, according to a count that becomes official during the fourth week of classes. There are 3,560 students enrolled at the university for the fall 2012 semester.
"Numbers indicate we are doing a good job of recruiting outside of our area, and that Minot State University's message of being a solid institution with fine academic programs is making inroads," said MSU President David Fuller, in a press release. "However, housing and the energy industry continue to impact us locally."
According to the university, enrollment declines are most prevalent in new freshmen and graduate, Minot Air Force Base and Native American students. Ward County showed a 5 percent total decrease. Other counties showing decreased enrollment trends include many in oil patch country, such as Divide, Williams and Mountrail.
Grow North Dakota, an MSU endeavor to recruit out-of-state and international students by charging a flat tuition rate, fostered growth in student populations from exterior states such as Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, according to Minot State. Increases were also seen in transfer and international students.
North Dakota counties that show enrollment increases include Burke, Burleigh, Cass and Grand Forks, according to the university.