After state budget cuts forced the UNC School of Nursing to cut its class size by 25 percent two years ago, the number of admitted students is now starting to increase.
With the release of admissions decisions March 7, the school accepted 16 more students than last year, split evenly between two undergraduate programs.
Out of 396 applicants, 26.3 percent — or 104 students — were admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The accelerated program accepted 17.8 percent, or 56 students, out of 315 applicants.
Beverly Foster, director of the undergraduate program, said the school has been working to combat negative effects of the budget cuts since 2011.
She said acceptance levels often rise and fall with the demand for nurses and status of the economy.
“I think it is a positive sign that the campus budgetary climate has eased sufficiently to accommodate 16 more students in the coming year,” she said.
Amy Burdette, associate director for admissions in the school, said she does not anticipate more budget cuts.
But this year’s incoming class, though larger than last year, is still smaller than it was before the cuts.
Foster said the smaller class sizes are frustrating for the admissions committee as well as the students.