Total enrollment increased to nearly 85,600 students across the University of Illinois System this fall, up 2.7 percent and rising to a record high for the sixth straight year, according to President Tim Killeen.

Combined enrollment at the system’s universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfi eld grew to 85,597 from 83,321 a year ago, based on enrollment as of Monday, Sept. 10, the 10th day of classes. Ten-day fi gures are the traditional benchmark for enrollment among U.S. colleges and universities. “We are committed to opening our doors to more and more students, as we provide rich opportunities that transform lives and expand the pipeline of talent that drives progress for our state and nation,” Killeen said.