With fall enrollment at 27,344 students, UNLV saw an increase of 6.2 percent in its total headcount over 2003. This is the largest rate of increase in headcount since 1991. The 2004 numbers place UNLV in the top 45 of U.S. public doctoral universities in terms of overall enrollment.

The university also saw an increase of 7.1 percent in its ?full-time equivalent? enrollment, which drives the legislatively mandated formula for funding higher education.

?These numbers show that UNLV is clearly an institution on the rise,? President Carol C. Harter says. ?With innovative programs, outstanding faculty and a high level of energy on campus, we are attracting more?and more accomplished?students every year.?

But, she adds, the university will have difficulty sustaining the growth with its current resources. ?It is essential that our master plan projects for the main campus continue, and that we build on the success of the Shadow Lane Campus to develop additional regional facilities.

?This tremendous growth also underscores the need, recognized by our Board of Regents, to redefine admission standards and to build and strengthen a state college to meet the needs of an increasing number of undergraduate students.?