Continuing its trend of slow but steady growth, Missouri State University set another opening day enrollment record.
When classes began today (Aug. 21), 21,351 students were enrolled through the Springfield campus, an increase of 244 or 1.2 percent over the first day of the fall 2016 semester.
Some specific areas of enrollment growth include:
- First-time new in college students increased by 1.8 percent to 3,199
- Graduate students increased by 4.2 percent to 3,445
- Students from out-of-state increased by nearly 10 percent to 2,506
- Students from underrepresented groups increased by 5.6 percent to 2,840, with about 10 percent increases in Hispanic and Asian students
“Missouri State has solidified its position as a college of choice in the Midwest,” said Clifton M. Smart III, Missouri State president. “We’re especially happy to see increases in out-of-state enrollment. That shows that our reputation continues to spread outside of Missouri. The enrollment of first-time new in college students is the largest since the university began raising admission standards in 1995.
“One of our main university goals is to increase the number of diverse students who attend Missouri State,” said Smart. “We’re pleased to see that we’ve been able to maintain a steady increase in this area.”
Official enrollment report available Sept. 20
Late registration will continue on the Springfield campus through Aug. 25. Registration in high school dual credit courses and other special courses will continue through early September.
Official enrollment reports will be based on enrollment at the end of the day on Sept. 18.
Prospective students should apply early
With the growth that the university has experienced, the office of admissions is encouraging prospective students for the fall 2018 semester to apply early.
Showcase, an open house for prospective students, will be held Oct. 7. Registration is requested.
For information on admission and registration at the Springfield campus, call 417-836-5517 or 800-492-7900 or visit Missouri State on the web at missouristate.edu.