When fall classes began on Aug. 20, 21,309 students were enrolled through the Missouri State University Springfield campus – the second highest opening enrollment ever.

Graduate student enrollment set a new record, increasing by 5.5 percent over last fall to 3,635.

After enrollment increases for the past 6 years and 19 of the last 21 years, fall classes started with just 42 fewer students than the record high, set last year.

Noted areas of enrollment growth include:

• Out-of-state student enrollment increased by 5.7 percent, to 2,649
• Returning student enrollment increased by 1.4 percent, to 15,195
• Students taking one or more online courses increased by 8.7 percent to 8,837

“We’re happy to see increases in graduate student and out-of-state enrollment,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart. “In the next few years, we’ll be adding new graduate and doctoral programs to meet workforce demands.

“Students are interested in having more flexibility in how they take classes. That’s reflected in the increases in online and other non-traditional class delivery methods and times.”

Enrollment on the West Plains campus is 1,594, down from 1,611 last year.

Official enrollment report available Sept. 19

Late registration will continue on the Springfield campus through Aug. 24. 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. 17.

Prospective students should apply early

The office of admissions encourages students who are interested in enrolling for the fall 2019 semester to apply early.

Showcase, an open house for prospective students, will be held Oct. 6.

Students interested in applying to Missouri State-Springfield can request additional information online or call 417-836-5517 or 800-492-7900.

Students interested in applying to Missouri State-West Plains can request additional information online or call 417-255-7955 or 888-466-7897.