<div>Missouri State University announced this fall that it has reached a new enrollment record, with 26,874 students enrolled across its Springfield and West Plains campuses. MSU Executive Vice President Zora Mulligan said the rise in enrollment shows that more students are interested in starting and continuing their education at MSU. “This year’s enrollment increase is a positive indicator that signals students’ interest in initial and continuing enrollment at Missouri State,” Mulligan said.While this growth is encouraging for the University, it contrasts with trends affecting higher education overall. Factors such as a smaller number of high school graduates and the decline in the value of a college degree are creating many challenges for universities. “Enrollment is a challenge at institutions across the country,” said Mulligan. “Factors including the demographics of a shrinking population of high school graduates, lower college-going rates and decreasing appreciation for the value of a college degree all contribute to that challenge.” Looking at the numbers, MSU has 21,137 undergraduate students and 3,901 graduate students this fall. The university also reported an increase in student credit hour (SCH) production, reaching 239,927 hours, up 1.4% from last year’s 236,564 hours. This suggests that more students are not only enrolling but also taking more classes. When it comes to class formats, MSU students do not fit neatly into “online” or “in-person” categories. Many students are taking a combination of classes. Currently, there are 5,073 students enrolled in blended courses, which mix online and in-person classes, 11,980 in fully online courses, and 20,692 in traditional seated classes. This data shows that a larger number are choosing traditional classroom settings.Last year, many schools faced problems with FAFSA delays that affected students’ financial aid. MSU handled these challenges well. “We stay very informed through our associations, governmental liaisons, etc. We communicated with our current and future students and families, so they were aware of the latest statuses and our responses,” Mulligan said. Looking ahead, MSU knows that demographic changes could affect higher education. The university is changing its strategies to attract a more diverse group of students.“We are aware and informed. As we see and project shifts in demographics, we are adjusting our strategies to best fit our future enrollment portfolio of students,” Mulligan said. MSU's latest enrollment numbers demonstrate a commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of education while continuing to attract new students. The future of higher education remains uncertain, but MSU is determined to respond proactively.Subscribe to The Standard's free weekly newsletter here.</div>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

MSU sets new enrollment record despite national trends

Missouri State University announced this fall that it has reached a new enrollment record, with 26,874 students enrolled across its Springfield and West Plains campuses. MSU Executive Vice President Zora Mulligan said the rise in enrollment shows that more students are interested in starting and continuing their education at MSU.