Enrollment hits 20,000 for first time in history

Some 20,000 students began classes last week at Old Dominion, exceeding the record enrollment of 19,600 last year.

This number includes about 4,100 new students, more than 1,740 of whom are first-time freshmen, a 5.8 percent increase over last year. The transfer numbers are up also with more than 1,250 enrolled this semester. Official fall enrollment numbers will be released later this month.

The university received the most applications for first-time freshmen (6,465) since 1989. About 70 percent of those who applied were admitted, reflecting the university's higher admission standards.

"Old Dominion continues to be the institution of choice among many of Virginia's highest caliber students," said John R. Broderick, vice president for institutional advancement and admissions. "These numbers are a testament to the institution and the quality of the faculty in both the undergraduate and graduate programs."