Enrollment this fall at UTM has fallen 3 percent compared to last year. The total enrollment is down by 181 students, from 5,900 to 5,719, compared to the 2001-02 academic year.

Reasons for the decrease in the student body are the previous year's graduating classes, the drop in part-time students and the increase in tuition by nearly 8 percent. There are currently 112 fewer part-time students in comparison to last year.

Bud Grimes, Director of University Relations attributes the decline to student attending a community college that is closer to home with a more affordable price.

Dyersburg State Community College, for example, saw an increase in its student body by more than 5 percent compared to last year.

“Schools doing well are in heavily populated areas or very close to them. UTM will need to work hard to recruit students in this area in order to grow our enrollment,” said Grimes. UTM's enrollment in international programs declined by more than 19 percent compared to last year, a difference of 43 students.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the world political and economic situations have hindered the international program’s enrollment. However, UTM’s international program remains one of the largest among four-year institutions nationwide. In fact, enrollment in the program has dropped only slightly compared to other schools.

There are currently 180 international students making up just over 3 percent of UTM’s student body.