The Associated Press

LEXINGTON - The freshman class at the University of Kentucky is record size this year, and the university also improved retention rates for returning students.

The freshman class had been predicted to reach 4,000 but fell just short of that at 3,987, a 9 percent increase.

Retention rates went up 2 percent, according to preliminary data. Total enrollment is up to 26,900 after another overall increase.

Provost Mike Nietzel said he was pleased with the number and quality of applications. Overall, applications were up 13 percent.

"That took us above 10,000 in a year where you would be concerned about tuition increases, so it was good to see that," he said.

UK has tried to increase both the number and quality of incoming students as a step toward its goal of ranking among the top 20 state universities in the country by 2020.

There was also an increase in graduate and international students.

Jeannine Blackwell, dean of the graduate school, said what she found most encouraging is that most of the growth in doctoral programs was in medicine, pharmacy and nursing.

"This means we're preparing people who can lead the research and development charge for health care, and we hope they'll help solve some of Kentucky's health problems."

UK also saw a slight rise, 3 percent, in the number of international students. Most campuses have seen decreases because of fewer visas issued in the wake of terrorism concerns.

"I think we've developed better coordination between the Office of Admissions and the Office of Multicultural Affairs," Nietzel said. "I also hope that African-American students are telling their friends it's a good place to come."

The other seven state universities are due to report their fall enrollment on Sept. 15.

Student statistics

Preliminary data from the first two weeks of school also showed:

• The average ACT score for entering freshmen was between 22 and 27, out of a possible 36, about the same as last year.

• The number of valedictorians hit a record at 157. There were 35 National Merit Scholars attending as well.

• The number of black freshmen climbed 20 percent to 256, about 6 percent of the freshman class.