Statistics released from the university show that enrollment and retention numbers exceed budget goals, including a low rate of summer melt.

This year’s summer melt is down from last year’s, meaning that only six percent of students did not follow through with the academic year after they deposited their tuition.

According to Roberta Kaskel, vice president of enrollment management, this year’s summer melt rate is an almost unheard of low. 661 new freshman are enrolled this year compared to 616 new students in fall 2014.

Kaskel said that enrollment is up 12 percent, and the university’s fall-to-fall retention rate is down 13 percent from last year.

Alexxis Lomack, psychology junior, said that it’s easier for students to enroll in the university.

“First of all, they can actually afford to do it,” Lomack said. “That means they’re either getting really good scholarships, or their financial aid is really good.”

Lomack said she came to Loyola for its kind student body, fun on-campus events and environment.

Lorraine Chotin, assistant to the Provost, said that even though the university’s retention rate was 80 percent last fall, this year’s 77 percent exceeded the Office of Academic Affairs’ budgeted goal for a rate of 75 percent.

Kaskel believes Loyola’s admissions and financial aid teams had a successful year.

“I attribute this to all the good work performed by faculty, students and staff throughout the recruitment and orientation season,” Kaskel said.