Enrollment at Wichita State University in spring 2009 is 14,235 students, an increase of 143 students, or 1 percent, compared to spring 2008, according to the official enrollment report given to the Kansas Board of Regents following the 20th day of classes.

It is the highest spring enrollment at WSU since spring 2004, when there were 14,685 students enrolled.

The higher enrollment is largely attributed to former students returning to WSU, an increase of 296 students compared to spring 2008.

WSU students also enrolled for more credit hours. Students are taking 147,579 credit hours in spring 2009 compared to 142,182 in spring 2007, an increase of 5,397 credit hours or 3.8 percent.

It's the second highest number of credit hours for a spring semester in WSU history. The only time students took more credit hours in spring was in 1983 when students enrolled in 148,978 credit hours.

The average undergraduate credit hour load in spring 2009 increased to 11.15 credit hours compared to 10.90 in spring 2008. The average graduate credit hour load also increased to 7.31 from 6.98 in spring 2008.

"We are especially pleased to see our students taking more credit hours," said Ron Kopita, vice president for campus life and university relations. "Our goals of providing appropriate financial support and necessary courses appear to be working, thus allowing our students to move more quickly toward completion of their degrees."

Here is a breakdown of enrollment statistics by college and the Graduate School: http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/newsresource/enrollment_stat.asp.