Syracuse University’s international student population increased in 2019, while the number of Pell Grant recipients dropped.

SU released its Fall 2019 Census earlier this month. The data separates student demographics by gender, ethnicity, Pell Grant status and undergraduate and graduate retention rates.

International student enrollment increased by 3% percent from fall 2018 to fall 2019 to 4,354 total students. International students make up 21% of total full-time student population, but 42% of the graduate student body.

Karleigh Merritt-Henry | Digital Design Editor

Total enrollment remained about the same, increasing less than 1% to 22,850 students in fall 2019. SU’s undergraduate enrollment increased only slightly by 49 students.

The number of full-time students receiving Pell Grants dropped by 214 students. Pell Grants are federal subsidies given to students based on financial need. Students with Pell Grants now make up about 16% of the total student population, compared to 17% of full-time enrolled students in fall 2018.

The census data also detailed retention rates of the fall 2018 and fall 2013 student body. SU had a one-year retention rate of 92% for fall 2018, and a 83% graduation rate for fall 2013.

Graduation rates from the 2013 cohort were 85% for white students, 81% for Asian students, 80% for black students, 75% for American Indian or Alaska Native students and 80% for Hispanic or Latino students. International students and students of two or more races both had a 79% graduation rate.

Karleigh Merritt-Henry | Digital Design Editor

Total population for full-time students by race/ethnicity:

• American Indian or Alaskan Native increased from 92 to 99 full-time enrolled students. They make up less than 1% of the full-time student population.
• White student enrollment decreased by 114 students to 10,700 full-time enrolled students. They make up 52% of the full-time student population.
• Hispanic or Latino student enrollment increased by 81 students, from 1,683 to 1,764 full-time students. They make up about 9% of the total student population.
• Black or African American student enrollment remained about the same, increasing to 1,305 full-time students. They make up 6% of the full-time student population.
• Asian student enrollment decreased slightly to 1,179 full-time students. They make up 6% of the full-time student population.

SU’s female student enrollment decreased by less than 1% from fall 2018 to 52% of the student body. Male student enrollment increased by the same amount. The census data did not provide data for nonbinary students.

Published on October 29, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Contact Gabe: gkstern@syr.edu | @gabestern326