University enrollment increases despite recent rises in tuition

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. -- Enrollment at public colleges and universities in northwestern Indiana has risen slightly this semester despite double-digit tuition increases in the past two years.\nMore students are taking classes at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Purdue University Calumet in Hammond and Valparaiso University, a private school where tuition costs $20,000 a year.\nFor some, that spike is a sign that universities' efforts to create an environment appealing to high school graduates is paying off.\nBecause of increased enrollment, many schools have planned dormitories or alternative housing for incoming students.\nResidential housing is in the works for Purdue North Central and Purdue Calumet, which has plans to build a $15 million, 384-bed residence hall in 2005.\nOfficials at Purdue North Central announced plans in September to build student apartments near campus, and Indiana University Northwest officials hope to build a new $36 million campus.\nAt Valparaiso University, where tuition has risen by 5 percent, students say the appeal is in the small classes and campus atmosphere.\n"It's close enough, but far enough that my mom won't be here every weekend," freshman Kristy Oman told the Post-Tribune for a story published Tuesday. "There's a good amount of diversity, and everyone is extremely friendly and willing to go out of their way to help each other."\nAndi Jones, Valparaiso's interim director of admissions, said the increase may be the result of a more teen-friendly marketing brochure the university sent to prospective students last year.\nThe university also has plans to complete construction on a library scheduled next year that will include a coffee lounge for studying.\n"We had more visitors and more applications than ever before," she said.