The University of Washington, Bothell has reported record enrollment growth, with a head count of 3,272 students, or 2,850 full-time equivalent (FTE) students.

This compares to an FTE of 2,374 in 2009, an increase of 20 percent.

Says Hung Dang, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs: “We are drawing significant numbers of students because they have discovered a world-class University of Washington education in our small setting known for intensive faculty and student collaboration.”

Of the total student population, the top counties of residence are King (59 percent) and Snohomish (28 percent). Current students represent a record 23 states and 21 countries. The fall 2009 class by comparison represented 12 states and 17 countries. The top states of residence are Washington, California, Oregon and Hawaii and the top countries of residence are China, South Korea, Taiwan and India.

Officials say that 18 percent of students benefit from UW’s Husky Promise program and 25 percent are Pell-Grant eligible. A total of 109 students are U.S. veterans.

Of the incoming freshman class, UW-Bothell’s fifth freshman class: 1,735 students applied and 404 enrolled. Of these, 178 are female and 226 are male. Of the local high schools represented, top feeder schools include Inglemoor, Mariner, Lynnwood and Kamiak.

The class is ethnically diverse, as well, with students self-reporting as: 38 percent Caucasian; 37 percent Asian American; 9 percent Hispanic; 6.5 percent African American; 2.5 percent American Indian; and, 1 percent Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.

With the increase in lower-division students, the campus is seeing a shift in its population with 74 percent of students — 97 percent of freshmen — taking full-time course loads. This compares to 50 percent of students taking full-time course loads 10 years ago.

Officials say with the increase in course loads, comes a great increase in the time students spend on campus. That extra time at the school translates to students being more involved in projects and research with faculty and fellow students are participating in clubs and organizations in record numbers.

Campus housing and food-service options also have been increased. The campus currently has 71 students-in-residence at two off-campus locations. Plans are under way to continue to grow the housing program. New food options on campus include a hot-food lunch service and there are plans for a student lounge to open in winter quarter.

According to the university, a demand for increased academic offerings came along with the addition of lower-division students. Several new degree programs launched in fall 2010, including a bachelor of science in biology and plans are under way for expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs over the next few years, pending the building of a third academic building. The campus has also grown from its main Bothell site to include off-site locations in Bellevue, Everett and Mount Vernon.