Students returned to class Monday at Missouri State University, and this year’s opening enrollment is the second highest in the school's history.
According to MSU, 21,309 students were enrolled as of August 20, 2018 on the Springfield campus. That’s just 42 fewer students than the record high set last year. Graduate student enrollment set a new record, increasing by 5-and-a-half percent over last fall to 3,635.
Out of state enrollment is up by 5.7 percent, and returning student enrollment increased by 1.4 percent.
There are 8.7 percent more students taking one or more online courses. MSU President Clif Smart said that shows that students are interested in having more flexibility in how they take classes.
Enrollment on the MSU-West Plains campus is down 17 students from last year at 1,594.
Late registration will continue on the Springfield campus through Aug. 24, and 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.
