Missouri State’s new strategic plan includes the enrollment goal of 30,000 students by 2030 and updated numbers for this fall show the university is making progress, though challenges remain.
The public university set enrollment records for the Springfield campus, which added 200 students to reach 25,238 this fall.
Across the entire system, which includes the Springfield campus, enrollment grew 361 students to reach 27,235. The headcount was this week.
The number of Missouri State University students was up this fall on the Springfield campus and across the system.
“Missouri State is delivering for the state,” said MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams, in a release.
“As we implement our strategic plan, ‘Igniting Opportunity,’ and develop a strategic enrollment management (SEM) plan, we’re strengthening the pathways that matter — dual enrollment with our high school partners, seamless transfer opportunities and affordable access for students across Missouri.”
The university is developing doctoral and workforce programs and engaging adult students who stopped before they graduated.
There were challenges, including fewer graduate and international students. The number of international students — many of whom are in graduate programs — comprise 5.7% of total enrollment, down from 6.9% last fall.
The university credited dual enrollment and transfer students, along with retaining existing students, as factors in the progress.
Retention was stable at 76% and will continue to be a focus, said provost Clarenda Philips.
“Faculty and advisors are focused on student success and retention in every college,” said Philips, who recently joined the university, in a release. “As we expand doctoral offerings and enhance academic support, we’re aligning programs with workforce needs and building clearer pathways from undergraduate to graduate study.”
More: Missouri State launches strategic plan to be ‘institution of choice’ for students, staff
Dual enrollment increased 9.1% to 7,778 students. First-time transfer students increased 2.8% to 1,342. Enrollment on the West Plains campus was up 2.8% to 1,997.
The university also experienced an increase in students from the Show-Me State, which grew from 20,699 to 21,266.
“While we serve more Missourians, we’re expanding our recruitment of out-of-state students and making Missouri State more transfer-friendly for community college students and returning adults,” said Dawn Medley, vice president for enrollment management, in the release.
“We’re also refining scholarships and aid to build on the MoState Access Award so more students can afford to finish what they start.”
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MSU sets enrollment records on Springfield campus, across system
