Fall enrollment numbers were released Thursday, showing a decrease in undergraduate students at Iowa State.

There are 61 fewer undergraduate students enrolled this year, although there was an overall increase of 75 students at Iowa State when factoring in graduate students, according to a university news release.

Government of the Student Body President T.J. Schneider said recent tuition increases might be a reason for declining numbers.

This year’s freshman class is substantially smaller, he said, estimating about a 200 to 400 student decrease.

However, he said he is pleased with the retention of previous ISU students.

The proposed tuition increase for 2003-2004 was also released Tuesday, and Schneider said it includes a flat rate increase of $650 for in-state students, and $1,300 for out of state students.

He said he is concerned about the affect this may have on future enrollment.

“I don’t see students being able to handle it all,” Schneider said.

“I would hope we could continue with our retention efforts, but it’s going to hurt those students that are here.”

GSB will try to maintain the quality of education at Iowa State, Schneider said.

– Jyni Ekins