Predictions in August of encouraging enrollment numbers at Missouri State University panned out.
The university on Wednesday announced a 3.8% increase in total enrollment for the fall semester, with 25,935 students enrolled on its Springfield and West Plains campuses. According to a press release from the university, 68 students are enrolled at both campuses, and were counted only once.
“We’re thrilled to see such strong enrollment numbers for this fall,” said President Clif Smart in the release. “This growth is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, and to the quality of education we offer.”
The total enrollment on the Springfield campus, 24,224, is up by 3.9% (917 students) over the fall of 2022. It fell short of a record set in 2018 by 166 students, according to the release. At West Plains, enrollment was up by 2% to a total of 1,779 students.
Two enrollment records were broken at Missouri State this semester, according to the release:
- 2,782 freshmen accounted for the biggest fall-to-fall increase in the university’s history, with a 22.1% increase of 504 students.
- 4,295 graduate students helped set a record. The group increased 1.7% with 71 additional students.
Across the nation, enrollment levels at colleges and universities are still recovering from a drop that persisted after the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Student Clearinghouse in March reported that undergraduate enrollment at American colleges dropped 8% between ‘19 and ‘22, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Two-year programs and other fast-track certification programs have also been highlighted and emphasized by legislators allocating money for their states. However, Smart said in August that universities and technical colleges aren’t competing to attract the same students.
Over the last decade, Missouri State University has worked to bolster its enrollment through upgraded buildings, expanded programs of study and efforts to support students from their first day to graduation. Smart also credited a partnership with Ozarks Technical Community College for enrollment increases in previous years.
“There are plenty of students out there for everyone,” Smart said. “If you look at a graduating class, about 60% of them will go on to some graduate program, either a community college or four-year school, or a training program. What that means is that 40% are either in the workforce or not doing anything.”
