Hawai'i Pacific University has posted the highest enrollment in its 40-year history, with an overall gain of about 3 percent this fall compared with this time last year.

Enrollment of new students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels "exceeded expectations," said Scott Stensrud, vice president of enrollment management at HPU.

Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment increased from 7,800 in fall 2004 to 8,046 this fall, according to HPU.

The largest increase in undergraduate students — more than 4 percent — came from Hawai'i residents, said Stensrud. He said the increase in local students can be attributed to the growing local alumni base.

"Word travels very fast for the local high school students," said Stensrud.

He also said more high school students are looking for a private college education, want to stay in Hawai'i and are attracted to HPU's internationally diverse student body.

Enrollment in HPU's graduate programs increased 17 percent, in large part because of two new master's degree programs in social work and secondary education, according to HPU. Both programs are being offered for the first time this semester and enrolled a combined total of nearly 60 students, said Harry Byerly, associate vice president for the center for graduate and adult services.

The university also saw gains in enrollment among international students with Canada, Norway and South Korea showing the most growth. International student enrollment is not back up to pre-Sept. 11 levels, but the growth "is still encouraging," said Stensrud.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.