Statewide college enrollment up as five of eight Mississippi public universities report increases
TUPELO — Statewide college enrollment is up for the fall 2024 term with five of Mississippi's eight public universities reporting an increase in enrollment from the previous year, according to data released this week.
Total student enrollment stands at 79,817, up from 77,074 students in the fall 2023 term. That's an increase of 3.6%.
"A college degree is a critical component for so many professional fields, and students at Mississippi's universities understand the value it will hold for them as they graduate and enter the workforce, hopefully in Mississippi," Dr. Al Rankins Jr., commissioner of higher education, said in a statement. "Our universities offer a strong foundation for students from across the state and beyond, and these numbers reinforce the confidence of students and parents alike in the quality education available throughout our system."
The University of Mississippi (UM), which includes the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, reported the highest increase at 9.8%. It adding 2,414 students this year (2,385 at UM and 29 and UMMC), as enrollment increased to 27,124 from 24,710 the previous year.
It's the fourth consecutive year that enrollment at UM has grown, attributed to a record-setting freshman class and strong retention rates.
The university welcomed its largest incoming class in state history this fall, with 5,973 freshmen students. The class of 2028 includes a record number of Mississippi residents and students from racial minority populations, UM said, with freshman students from 76 of the state's 82 counties.
"Our growth reflects the University of Mississippi's position as a thriving destination of choice for higher education," UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce said in a statement. "We are a flagship university in demand, as evidenced by a record number of applications and more than 32,000 campus visitors in the last year. Students and families recognize the value of our academic excellence, our student support programs and our experiences that build successful leaders."
Mississippi State University (MSU) reported the second highest increase at 2.2% with enrollment increasing to 23,150 from 22,657 the previous year, adding 493 students.
MSU enrollment has grown for nine of the last 10 years, and once again reached an all-time high for enrollment this year, surpassing its 2021 record of 23,086 students.
"We're focused on higher education at MSU being unequivocally accessible and are dedicated to ensuring every Bulldog student is on their path to a degree, including those who start at a community college or who have been out of college for a while," MSU President Mark E. Keenum said in a statement.
Other universities with increased enrollment include Alcorn State University (added 101 students for a 3.5% increase), Mississippi Valley State University (added nine students for a 0.4% increase) and the University of Southern Mississippi (added 60 students for a 0.5% increase.)
Enrollment declined at Delta State University (lost 62 students for a 2.3% decrease), Jackson State University (lost 238 students for a 3.6% decrease) and Mississippi University for Women (lost 34 students for a 1.5% decrease.)
