MOBILE - The University of South Alabama has set an all time record enrollment, with a total of 13,538 students registering for the fall 2004 semester.

Statewide enrollment figures from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education show USA as the fastest growing university in Alabama for the period between 1999-2003. The commission has not yet compiled figures for fall 2004.

While the average enrollment growth among Alabama universities during this period was 7 percent, USA 's enrollment grew 17 percent over the same period. Although statewide figures for fall 2004 are not yet available, USA 's current enrollment boost will increase the school's average growth to 19 percent for the past five years. USA has also experienced a 20 percent increase in the number of credit hours taken.

"We believe USA 's substantial growth during the past five years is due to the high quality and variety of our academic programs, and to our dedicated faculty who are committed to the individual success of each student," said USA President Gordon Moulton. "Students today have many college options, and we're gratified that they continue to see USA as an exceptional value for their educational dollar."

A significant increase has been seen in first time student enrollment at USA , particularly students from Mobile and Baldwin counties. In fall 1999, a total of 1,641 first time students from the two-county area enrolled at USA . In 2003 this figure had grown to 2,289, a 40 percent increase.

USA has also enrolled a record number of graduate students for the fourth straight year. Graduate school enrollment for 2004 is 2,734 students, a 44 percent increase since 1999.

The average ACT score for USA freshman students is 22.8, compared to average ACT scores of 21.5 for Alabama and 21.7 nationally.

USA 's students also reflect strong diversity, with African-Americans making up approximately 16.8 percent of the student body, up from 14.2 in 1999.

Approximately 2,800 USA students this year hold academic scholarships, bolstered by increased private giving to the University and a new scholarship program approved by the USA Board of Trustees five years ago.

Here are total enrollments for USA's colleges and schools: Arts and Sciences, 3,799; Mitchell College of Business, 1,806; Education, 2,504; Engineering, 913; Allied Health Professions, 1,283; Nursing, 1,936; Computer and Information Sciences, 501; Continuing Education and Special Programs, 300; and Medicine, 494.

A total of 2,384 students graduated from USA in 2003-2004, and the school's alumni now number more than 53,000.