ELLENSBURG — Walkways at Central Washington University may be a bit more crowded, as the school say a 21 percent increase in first-year enrollment this fall compared to the previous year.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that the university enrolled 1,653 first-year students, 290 more than fall 2014. The total fall quarter enrollment at CWU this year is 10,912 students.
Officials attribute the flood of freshman to a significant drop in tuition, with another cut scheduled next year. Tuition was reduced by 5 percent this year, with 15 percent being shaved off next year.
University officials say they expect another large class next year, and that they should be able to meet demand event though university-operated housing is 99 percent full.
Total enrollment is still not at record levels.
