Slight increase in college enrollments

Freshman enrollment at independent colleges and universities throughout the United States increased slightly this fall, marking a recovery from losses recorded last year.

Among regions, gains in freshman enrollment were greatest in the South (4.01 percent).

The Northeastern states showed a freshman loss of 1.31 percent.

Colleges in the West lost slightly (0.17 percent).

Gains in the Midwest were 2.39 percent.

Gains in the mid-Atlantic states were .98 percent.

These short-term figures represent a momentary reversal in an overall downward trend that is expected to continue for several years.

The reason for the long-term decline is the drop in US birth rates experienced after the postwar baby boom.