From the Globe Education Desk

The California State University system is reporting an acrossthe- board increase in application to CSU’s 23 campuses from minority students. All ethnic groups showed an increase in online applications.
    The university system reported it had received 31,116 priority applications from African-Americans last fall semester -- a 12-percent increase.
    Latino applications increased by 15 percent from 104,404 to 120,065; Native-American also grew by 12 percent from 2,187 to 2,449, and Asian-American submittals increased by 5 percent from 69,509 to 72,985. Caucasian applications are also up by 5 percent from 104,890 to 110,135.
    University officials said more than 465,000 online applications were received for fall 2007 admission; a 6 percent increase from last year, and the ninth straight year of growth for online applications filed during CSU’s priority application period, which extends annually from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.
    Most CSU campuses are continuing to accept applications for fall enrollment until all available spaces are filled. “Students should still be encouraged to apply to the CSU since there will be a spot for those who are eligible and qualify,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed.