University of Iowa President Sally Mason announced a significant increase in the number of students who have accepted admission for the fall of 2015. As of this week, 3,798 students have committed to attending UI compared to 3,327 at this time last year—an increase of 14 percent. Mason says students are committing to the university because of its strong academic reputation and affordable price. She cited the latest rankings by U.S. News and World Report and the university’s increased focus on student recruitment.

During her regularly scheduled availability with reporters at Jessup Hall on Thursday, April 2, Mason said she was excited by the mix of students the university is attracting. Acceptances are up 13.5 percent among residents and 15 percent among out of state and international students. The university is also reporting double-digit increases in the number of underrepresented and honors-eligible students admitted.  

President Mason also provided an update on ERIP, the university’s early retirement incentive program. Although numbers are not yet finalized, the university projects strong savings.

• 1,400 were eligible to apply
• 362 applied
• 197 approved
• 165 denied or voided
• Projected savings to the university: $28 million over five years, including $16 million in General Education Funds

President Mason also took the opportunity to praise the academic accomplishments of the university’s student athletes. Iowa is the only school in the country to have more than one student athlete named Academic All-American in the sport of basketball. The UI had three: senior Samantha Logic, junior Mike Gesell, and sophomore Ally Disterhoft.

Mason’s next media availability is scheduled for May 13, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.