Enrollment Record Falls, Again, at Delaware State University

Delaware State University has broken its enrollment record for the sixth straight year.

A university news release says the school enrolled 4,872 students for the 2018-2019 academic year, a 5 percent jump over last year's enrollment.

The Dover university has set a goal to reach 5,000 students by 2020.

Officials say freshmen retention rose to 73 percent, the highest average in the school's history.

University President Dr. Wilma Mishoe credits recruitment, enrollment and retention initiatives like the creation of a strategic enrollment management system and team and the Early College High School program.

“Delaware State University has continued to grow year after year because we have continued to innovate, and have become much more strategic in how we attract and retain students, Mishoe said. "This year’s success builds upon past efforts to improve recruitment, enrollment, and retention. It is certainly an ongoing process, and is absolutely necessary, if we are going to meet our goal."

The school is currently building a new 20,000-square-foot residence hall to increase the number of students housed on campus. Currently, less than half of students live on campus.