Missouri State University’s systemwide enrollment held largely flat this semester. 

Systemwide headcount is 26,917 students. This is down 1.1% compared to a record enrollment last fall.   

Springfield campus headcount tallied 25,039, while the West Plains campus enrolled 1,878 students. 

“Overall enrollment is down just over 1%. Given the increased competition with the declining student population, both domestically and internationally, we feel very good about where we are and the foundation we have created on which to build,” said Dawn Medley, vice president for enrollment management.  

“There’s a real sense of excitement on this campus right now. We have just launched our strategic enrollment management playbooks so the entire campus can be part of our growth.” 

On the Springfield campus, undergraduate enrollment held nearly steady, down 0.9%. The university welcomed 2,506 first-time students and retention among that group moved up to 76.9%. Graduate enrollment decreased by 3.4%. 

The university continues to add dual credit enrollments due to the later start of Missouri high schools.  

Colleges lead the way 

Even as overall headcount adjusts, parts of the university are expanding. The McQueary College of Health and Human Services is now Missouri State’s largest college by enrollment, growing 4.7% to 4,742 students this fall. 

The shift reflects sustained demand for healthcare careers, including nursing and other high-need fields, as regional employers continue to seek graduates ready to enter the workforce. The trend aligns with the university’s goal to focus on programs that connect students to in-demand careers close to home. 

The College of Education also grew 2.3% to 1,644 students and remains the top producer of educators in the state.  

Moving forward 

Missouri State continues to execute its strategic enrollment plan. 

“The university’s story has always been about opportunities for our students, for our region and for the state,” said President Richard B. Williams. “As we put our plan into action, we’re focused on meeting students where they are, whether that’s a first-time freshman, a transfer student or an adult who started a degree and didn’t finish. Missouri State is going to keep delivering for the state of Missouri.” 

More than 78% of systemwide students are from the state of Missouri. 

This past weekend, Missouri State hosted the annual open house Showcase event in conjunction with family weekend. Student are encouraged to schedule individual campus visits anytime.