Enrollment at the University is down 1.9 percent this year from last, according to the 15-day enrollment data.

There are 19,412 enrolled students at the University this year, down from 19,697 last year, or 287 students, said Dave Kielmeyer, University spokesperson.

“We’re not surprised,” Kielmeyer said. “We intentionally had a smaller freshman class this year.”

This is due to a change in enrollment criteria, which admitted 160 less prospective students with lower ACT test scores to recruit students with ACT scores above 24.

Now that the University has this number, it’s focused on retention.

One of those ways is through linked courses where freshman take multiple classes with the same people to promote working together and feeling more comfortable in the classroom.

“It’s helpful in academic success and retention,” he said.

Though the number is smaller, the University is hopeful that it’s numbers will raise in years to come.

“We’re going to continue with the strong academic requirements and move back toward growth, “ Kielmeyer said.