Rutgers sees a large increase in international students

Rutgers has seen a big increase in the number of undergraduate students from around the world.

About 900 of the 8,500 new undergrads starting at Rutgers this fall came from other countries. By contrast, Rutgers Today reports that just five years ago, the incoming class was made up of only 330 international students.

Vice-President for Enrollment Management at Rutgers Courtney McAnuff said, "Really we are seeing dramatic increases from around the world."

He said one reason is that Gov. Chris Christie changed a policy that used to penalize Rutgers $6,600 for every out-of-state student who enrolls. Christie removed that about four years ago.

"I think the state's feeling was, the 'flagship university' should really bring in the diversity from around the world. And so the policy was changed," McAnuff said.

McAnuff said the demand for Rutgers has grown exponentially over the past five years.

"We currently now receive slightly in excess of 50,000 applications for our new student undergraduate class," McAnuff said.

McAnuff added: "A big changing factor for many of the international applicants was the merger of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with Rutgers to build a vast research engine." He says the research gives incoming students opportunities to work with faculty on advanced research, even from the freshman year, "and that certainly has proven to be a great boon for prospective students, that ability to get involved early, and actually prepare their resume for advanced studies, doctoral programs, medical school and so on."

He said China sends the most students, followed by Korea, Taiwan and India.

"Our freshman class actually comes from around 90 countries," he said.

McAnuff also made it clear that Rutgers' first obligation is to New Jersey students. He said "currently, about 85 percent of slots are left for New Jersey students, and we want to try and maintain that mix. The state university is really, first and foremost for state citizens access."

Joe Cutter is the afternoon news anchor on New Jersey 101.5.

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