WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) —The incoming Purdue University freshman class is the largest school history.

The campus will welcome 8,300 first-year students in the fall. That's 500 more students than last year. Purdue Provost Jay Akridge says there are many reasons for the increase. One being the two-percent growth in out-of-state enrollment. In-state enrollment is also on the rise.

Akridge said keeping tuition flat for six years while expanding academic programs makes the university attractive.

"It reflects the quality of the programs that our faculty and staff deliver. It obviously reflects the work of everyone involved in the recruiting process to share with our prospective students and their families just what being at Purdue means and the opportunities it can open up," Akridge said.

Akridge just approved the hiring of additional faculty and staff to balance the student increase. Plans are also in place for two new residence to be built.