(KLZA)--The freshman class entering Peru State College this year is the largest is 30 years. 

On Monday, August 19, the first day of classes, the class totaled 290 students.  

The large class also led to an increase in students living in the residence halls. Occupancy is up 16 percent over 2018.  

Peru State officials say the increase  as driven partly by the addition of junior varsity sports the fall.  Peru State added junior varsity baseball, softball, men's basketball and women's basketball.  Cheer was also made a competitive team sport. 

Improved dining facilities, a new scholarship structure and other campus upgrades planned to benefit the student experience are also credited with helping attract more students.