Enrollment at Kansas University was up 2.1 percent from the same time last year, according to figures released Thursday, resulting in a record figure for spring.

There was a 1.9 percent increase, to 25,412 from 24,948, on the Lawrence campus, and a 3.9 percent increase, to 3,041 from 2,928, on the Medical Center campus.

Total enrollment at KU was 28,453.

For statistical purposes, Lawrence campus enrollment also includes the Edwards Campus.

At KUMC, enrollment figures at the School of Nursing were up 10 percent, something KU spokesman Todd Cohen attributed to added capacity for students in recent years, and a high demand in the job market.

Minority student enrollment increased 4.9 percent overall to 12.6 percent of total enrollment.

International enrollment also climbed at the university, growing by 6 percent to 1,763 on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.

The report also shows a 2.4 percent increase in Kansas residents — or 463 students — on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses, something the university was pleased to note, Cohen said.

At the Edwards Campus, enrollment in many programs increased, including a 22 percent increase in business, 14 percent in journalism, 13 percent in engineering and 6 percent in social welfare.

Cohen attributed increases at the Edwards Campus to people attempting to go back and finish an advanced degree, either to become more competitive in the job market or to move up the pay scale.

The total spring enrollment figure at KU is down from the fall record enrollment of 30,102.

Universities typically record decreases from spring to fall after people graduate in December, or leave school for other reasons, Cohen said.

Five of the six Board of Regents universities showed enrollment increases in spring 2009 — the only exception being Emporia State, which declined 0.6 percent.

Spring enrollment at KU has been on an upward trend since 1995, when the total enrollment was 26,127.

Cohen said students are seeing the value in a KU degree even in a tighter economy.

“It shows that Kansans are still choosing KU” over options like community colleges or other alternatives, Cohen said. “We’re still at record levels.”