For the 2008-09 school year, the UW Tacoma projected headcount is approaching 3,000 students — an approximate growth of 350 students over last year, putting the university on track to achieve its largest enrollment ever. While official enrollment figures will be available in mid-October, the university has met its target of 275 new full time equivalent* (FTE) enrollments.

FTE, within the context of university enrollment, can refer to one or several students, depending upon the number of credit hours student(s) take per quarter.

“Our largest population of students continues to be juniors, the majority of whom transfer from regional community colleges,” said Derek Levy, who leads UW Tacoma’s Enrollment Services office. “More and more students are realizing that access to a University of Washington-quality education exists right here in Tacoma.”

This year, incoming freshman enrollment is more than 220 students.