Number of Freshman Choosing UC Merced Climbs

Officials at the University of California, Merced, have begun summer on a confident note. The campus is getting more and more popular with incoming freshmen. UC Merced has seen a 27-percent increase in freshmen selecting to attend over Fall 2008, and a 94-percent increase over Fall 2007.

According to data released today, June 16, by the UC Office of the President, Merced has received 1,358 Statements of Intent to Register (SIRs) from first-time freshmen. UC Merced received 1,069 freshman SIRs at this time last year. SIRs are generally a reliable indicator of the number of students who plan to enroll in any given year.

Kevin Browne, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management, predicts that these numbers put the university on track for a total Fall 2009 enrollment of 3,200 students.

“This is the third banner year in a row for UC Merced,” Browne said. “This proves that even in these uncertain fiscal times, families recognize the benefits of a UC Merced education and value the experience we offer our students.”