The Missouri State University System has set a new enrollment record, surpassing the previous figure by nearly 250.
Officials Wednesday said the 24,735 students tops last fall’s enrollment of 24,489, which was the previous record. The fall 2015 enrollment is based on the 20th day of classes, the state of Missouri’s official enrollment census date.
The record comes despite a slight drop in enrollment at the system’s West Plains’ campus. Attendance there is 1,993 students compared to last year’s overall tally of 2,193. At the Springfield campus, however, enrollment jumped two percent from last fall to 22,834.
“Our record enrollment this fall indicates we are on the right track regarding quality academic programs and high-caliber faculty and great campus facilities,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart in a news release. “Higher education has never been more important than it is today and I’m pleased that Missouri State is the university of choice for a record number of students.”
In addition, the number of first-time new students in college is up 13.5 percent, and the number of students from underrepresented groups is up 6.4 percent, according to the school.
The Springfield campus enrollment includes students from 112 of Missouri’s 114 counties, 48 other states and 83 other countries.