FULLERTON – Cal State Fullerton has received 57,556 applications for admission for next fall, the most ever, school officials said Wednesday.

Last year, the university, with a total enrollment of about 35,500 students, received 51,665.

The 23-campus California State University system also received a record 665,860 applications for fall 2012, a 9 percent increase compared to the previous year. The submissions came from 258,834 distinct applicants versus 241,166 last year. Students typically apply to multiple CSU campuses. The application totals are for Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, the priority period for all 23 CSU campuses.

Fullerton’s current enrollment is the largest among all CSU campuses. The school ranked second in applicants for 2012-13. San Diego State, the fourth largest campus with an enrollment of about 30,000, received the most applications, 69,225.

The record amount of applicants comes even as the CSU system continues to raise tuition and cut programs and services. Last month, CSU trustees approved a 9 percent fee increase all campuses, bringing the annual tuition for undergraduate students to $5,970 starting next fall.

CSU officials attribute the raise in applications to a higher overall rate of college-ready students. Also, the cost of a CSU education remains a top value when compared with what other four-year universities charge, officials said.

“Our numbers keep growing because this is still the best value available,” said Paula Selleck, CSUF spokeswoman. “We also have high graduation rates and other factors that contribute to the high demand for a CSU education.”

Tuition and fees at the state’s other public system, the University of California, hit $12,182 this year. UC regents are considering another increase for 2012-13.

Selleck said Fullerton’s enrollment will likely remain the same as the current academic year, meaning more qualified students will likely be denied admission. About 10,000 qualified students were denied admission to CSUF this year.

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