Students at the 2019 Lethbridge College New Student Orientation (Photo: Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Student Population

Lethbridge College, U of L see big boosts in enrollment numbers

Sep 18, 2019 | 9:47 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Three weeks into the school year and enrollment numbers are looking good for both Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge.

The college saw a seven percent increase in enrollment from last year, with nearly 5,600 students choosing to study at the home of the Kodiaks.

At the University of Lethbridge, total enrollment for the fall term is 8,956 students. That’s a 2.2 percent increase over last year and a new record for the post-secondary institution.

LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE

According to the college, its student population has grown by more than 13 percent since 2017. As of September 12, a total of 5,581 students are enrolled in certificate, diploma, degree, apprenticeship and upgrading programs.

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Multiple international students are attending the college, with learners from 40 different countries at the school. The largest group of internationals come from India with 350. That’s followed by students from Kenya (82), Nigeria (28) and Japan (23).

“We have certainly noticed the diversity of our campus over the past couple of years and the energy that brings,” said Dr. Paula Burns, the college’s President and CEO, in a release.

“We promote and encourage a diverse campus, where everyone feels welcome. The educational opportunities are endless when students can share ideas with those who come from different backgrounds and cultures.”

The following is a breakdown of the student population:

· 5,017 degree, diploma and certificate students (4,576 last fall)

· 354 apprenticeship students (336 last fall)

· 212 supplemental credit (upgrading) students (323 last fall)

Below is a breakdown of International student numbers at the college:

· 684 international degree, diploma and certificate students (429 last fall)

· 248 new international students (258 last fall)

· 350 students from India (162 last fall)

· 82 students from Kenya (84 last fall)

Other countries with significant international student populations include Nigeria (28), Japan (23), Philippines (17) and Brazil (14).

Lethbridge College offers more than 60 degree, diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs, as well as w variety of corporate and continuing education courses.

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE

Following the opening of the brand-new Science Commons building, the U of L saw a major spike in student enrollment for this fall term.

Current statistics show that there are 8,956 learners at the school.

A record number of undergraduate students are at the school (8,318), up 2.1 percent. There are 638 graduate students at the U of L, a 2.4 percent boost.

There are also more Indigenous students at the U of L. Enrollment is up 9.4 percent for a record 561 Indigenous students at the school.

Indigenous students now represent 6.3 percent of the total student population.

International student enrollment went up 17 percent to 572 students.

“The U of L campus community represents 95 countries and is a diverse cultural mosaic,” said Kathleen Massey, the U of L’s associate vice-president (students), in a release.

“What our international students add to our campus is immeasurable. This diversity provides an invaluable opportunity for all of our students, faculty and staff to benefit from an enriching learning environment that reflects many different perspectives and world views.”

The U of L noted that there’s been an increase in new high school students, up from 1,287 from 1,246 in the fall of 2018. The new transfer student population went up to 856 students from 791.

The school’s Lethbridge campus is home to 8,265 students, while 691 students are at the Calgary campus.