University of New Mexico enrollment declines

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Enrollment at the University of New Mexico has declined by 6.5% causing budget shortfalls across the campus.

The Albuquerque Journal reported Monday that the overall 22,792-student enrollment is down by 1,600 fewer students compared to last fall.

Officials say enrollment includes undergraduates, graduate, law and medical students and others.

School officials say the decrease would result in an estimated $4 million budget shortfall, because tuition and fee revenue will be less than the school was predicting.

Officials say the decline is a residual effect from an unexpected 17% drop in freshmen last year and improvements to graduation rates.

Officials say it could also be that some students have decided to take basic courses at cheaper community colleges and some potential students have decided to work rather than enroll in college.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com