Headcount enrollment at Wichita State University for fall 2013 is 14,550 students, a decrease of 348 students or 2.3 percent compared to fall 2012, according to the official enrollment report given to the Kansas Board of Regents following the 20th day of classes.

The enrollment decrease occurred almost exclusively among guest students, while freshmen, juniors, seniors and graduate students all witnessed an increase.

Total student credit hours are 161,922 for fall 2013, an increase of 79 credit hours compared to fall 2012, and the highest number of credit hours in Wichita State’s history.

Although enrollment is slightly lower, students are taking more classes, resulting in a record number of credit hours. In 1980, 59 percent of undergraduates at WSU were full-time students. This fall, 76.4 percent of undergraduate students are full time, averaging 12.1 credit hours.

“We are pleased to continue to have strong credit hour production in a highly competitive environment,” said Wade Robinson, vice president for Campus Life and University Relations. “We are developing a strategic plan that will help us focus on enrollment growth and help us continue to fulfill our mission to best serve the citizens of Kansas.”

The largest enrollment increase was attributed to international students. The number of international graduate students jumped 32.3 percent compared to fall 2012. There are 668 international graduate students attending Wichita State this fall compared to 505 international graduate students a year ago.

There are 8,373 students from Sedgwick County attending WSU this fall, which is 69.8 percent of the student body.

Another bright spot in the enrollment report was the improved retention rates for freshmen from 70.2 percent to 74.5 percent.