BANGOR – For the fourth year, fall enrollment in Maine’s seven public universities exceeds 34,000 students, said University of Maine System Chancellor Joseph W. Westphal.

Official student enrollment numbers show a systemwide head count of 34,245, nearly identical to the 34,253 total of the fall 2004 semester.

Furthermore, students at Maine’s seven public universities are enrolled in a record-high number of credit hours, Westphal added. Students are enrolled in more classes than at any time in the University System’s 37-year history.

Overall, in-state enrollment represents 87.6 percent of the University System’s student population. These numbers, compiled by the University System’s Office of Planning and Policy Analysis, reflect student enrollment as of Oct. 14.

“Demand for university-level education remains strong, and we expect it to grow in upcoming years,” Westphal said. “We are working on new strategies to promote the value and opportunities that our universities offer to both traditional-aged students as well as to adults considering going to, or returning to, college. We believe those efforts will help increase the number of Maine residents who pursue higher education and who choose to stay in Maine for their learning experience.

“We also anticipate enrollment to grow in upcoming years as a result of the new Advantage U program, the partnership between the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System.”

Basically, Advantage U provides guaranteed admission into one of Maine’s public universities for any liberal studies graduates from Maine’s community colleges who meet certain requirements.

Headcount totals for each of the seven universities are listed, with net change from fall 2004 indicated in parentheses:

. University of Maine: 11,435 (+77).

. University of Maine at Augusta: 5,494 (-44).

. University of Maine at Farmington: 2,452 (+103).

. University of Maine at Fort Kent: 1,193 (+117).

. University of Maine at Machias: 1,149 (-42).

. University of Maine at Presque Isle: 1,548 (-104).

. University of Southern Maine: 10,974 (-115).

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System is the state’s largest educational entity. It awards nearly 5,000 degrees annually. It features seven universities – some with multiple campuses – located across the state, as well as 11 University College outreach centers and more than 100 interactive distance education sites. For more information, visit www.maine.edu.