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Education news and issues in the Ozarks.

MSU System Reports New Fall Record Enrollment

Missouri State University
Photo credit: Missouri State University

Missouri State University says official enrollment throughout its system has set a new record for this fall.

The fall 2014 official enrollment figures are based on the 20th day of classes, the State of Missouri’s official enrollment census date.

The 24,489 students taking classes this semester surpasses last fall’s 23,838 students. Figures for just the Springfield campus also set a new high of 22,385, a 2.7 percent jump from the year before. During that same span on the West Plains campus, there are 70 more students taking classes this semester. The school says that nearly 90 students are enrolled at both campuses, but were only counted once.

In a news release, MSU said that students at its Springfield campus represent every Missouri county, 48 other states and 88 other countries.

“Our record enrollment this fall is another testament to Missouri State’s breadth of leading academic programs, as well as our high-caliber faculty, campus and facilities,” said Missouri State President Clifton M. Smart III. “I’m pleased we’ve been able to meet our enrollment goals for consistent growth and that we’ve succeeded in making Missouri State a ‘university of choice’ for so many students.”

MSU points to the following highlights of the official fall enrollment report:

  • The number of first-time new in college is 2,801, up 108 (4 percent). Their average ACT is 24.1, well above state and national averages; 85.8 percent of ranked students were in the top half of their graduating class and 62.6 percent had a high school GPA of 3.50 or higher.
  • The number of students from underrepresented groups is 2,631, up 218 (9 percent).
  • The number of graduate students (new and returning) is 3,420, up 86 (2.6 percent).